Arsenal chief blasts his 'stupid' stars

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has called his players "stupid" for their behaviour at the end of Sunday's match against Manchester United.

The UK Football Association have launched an investigation into the incidents at Old Trafford, and officials will be studying video evidence before bringing any charges against either clubs or players.

Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira was sent off - booked for a second time when he kicked out at United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, even though his kick did not make contact with its intended target.

When van Nistelrooy missed a last-gasp penalty, Arsenal players led by Martin Keown, who had conceded the spot-kick, celebrated in his face.

Hill-Wood told British tabloid The Sun: "There are no excuses. We were guilty of stupid behaviour.

"The players concerned were rather silly when you would hope they would show more intelligence.

"What makes matters worse is the fact it was senior players who were involved, experienced professionals who have played more than enough games to know not to react like that.

"All I can say in our defence is we are not a dirty side and nobody was hurt."

Vieira's eighth red card of his Arsenal career was the 52nd of manager Arsene Wenger's seven-year reign and Hill-Wood added: "I have said before that our disciplinary record is not good and it does concern me.

"Things did improve slightly last year but already this season we have had three red cards, one FA disciplinary charge and now the possibility of more.

"I did not see the incidents after Sunday's game because I left my seat immediately on the final whistle.

"But I have seen the replays and will talk to Arsene about what went on, as I always do."