Alex Song Takes Three-Match Suspension
The Football Association (FA) has revealed that Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has been suspended for three matches due to an incident on Saturday with Newcastle United central midfielder/winger Joey Barton during a fixture at St James’ Park. The organisation says that the Gunners player stomped on his opponent’s ankle early in the game, but it was not caught on the pitch by the referee at the time.
On the FA’s website, the football regulator said that Song will start a three match suspension that is effective immediately after he accepted a violent conduct charge. The charge was due to an incident that happened during the fixture at Newcastle on Saturday, August 13, the organisation added.
Because of the suspension, Song will miss two vital matches against Liverpool and Manchester United, the defending league champions. It also means that he will miss the Swansea fixture. However, he will be permitted to play in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off against Udinese.
Aside from this suspension, Song is being joined by Arsenal striker Gervinho in the three match ban. This follows a melee between him and Barton during the same fixture on Saturday. The midfielder accused the Gunners player of diving in order to draw a penalty. The situation escalated when Gervinho slapped Barton to draw a red card.
The clubs aren’t getting out of the incident for free either. Both Arsenal and Newcastle have been fined £25,000 for not controlling the conduct of their players. They were given until today to respond to the charge.