Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
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Violent conduct charge for Hleb

22 Apr 2008 - 15:48:13

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The Football Association has charged Arsenal midfielder Alex Hleb with violent conduct following his clash with Graeme Murty during Saturday's 2-0 victory against Reading.

The Belarus international appeared to catch Murty in the face with his hand although the incident was not spotted at the time by referee Peter Walton.

However, having now watched a video of the incident, Walton has informed the FA that, had he seen it at the time, he would have shown Hleb a red card for violent conduct.

Hleb has until 6pm on Wednesday April 23 to admit or deny the charge while a Regulatory Commission will hear the case on April 24.

Meanwhile, Johan Djourou and Abou Diaby have picked up minor injuries. Djourou had to be withdrawn before a reserve team game while Diaby limped off with a thigh problem.

Reserve team manager Neil Banfield told the Gunners' official website: "Djourou has had a stiff back and he reported it to us on Monday morning.

"We sent him home and then asked him to return for the game against West Ham. He tried it out in the warm-up and then felt it right at the end. So it was a precaution to take him out.

"Abou Diaby just felt his thigh around the 35th minute so we decided to take him off. Again it was just as a precaution."