Arsenal top of the Fair Play League

Arsenal may be in the thick of disciplinary action with the Football Association but the Gunners have also managed to make to the top of the Premier League’s Fair Play League table.

Their success seems extraordinary given that six players are facing misconduct charges following the ugly scenes at Old Trafford and the club has been charged with failing to control their players.

Furthermore, Sol Campbell was fined last week for retaliating against Eric Djemba-Djemba in the Community Shield.

The league is based on several factors: the number of red and yellow cards, positive play, respect for opponents and the referee plus the behaviour of club officials.

Points are awarded from reports made by the Premier League’s referees assessors who attend each match.

The Premier League confirmed that the current table was correct. A spokesman said: “The Fair Play League is judged on a number of UEFA set criteria other than red or yellow cards, for example positive play.

“Delegates, in conjunction with match officials, at every Premier League match assess the teams in each area from which an aggregate score is taken to form the Fair Play League table.”

Prize money is on offer for the side finishing top at the end of the season and Arsenal’s nearest rivals are Chelsea and then Manchester United.

Bolton are currently bottom just behind Birmingham and Fulham.

Arsenal are also third in the fans’ fair play league with the team whose supporters finishing top receiving at the end of the season.