Keown and Lauren get banned and fined

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been hit with a major defensive headache today after the FA delivered its judgement on the ugly scenes at Old Trafford last month.

Lauren and Martin Keown were hit with four and three-match suspensions respectively today as the Football Association meted out punishment for the ugly scenes at the end of Arsenal’s goalless draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Arsenal’s players, angered by the dismissal of Patrick Vieira for aiming a kick at Ruud van Nistelrooy, pushed and shoved the United striker when the final whistle sounded.

Lauren, who has been hit with a £40,000 (€58,000) fine as well as his ban, faced one charge of violent behaviour, for pushing van Nistelrooy in the back, and two of improper conduct, for confronting van Nistelrooy and kicking out at Quinton Fortune.

Keown, who also receives a £20,000 (€29,000) fine, faced one charge of violent behaviour towards van Nistelrooy.

Ray Parlour, who admitted two charges of improper conduct for separate confrontations with van Nistelrooy and Gary Neville, has received a one-match suspension and a £10,000 (€14,500) fine.

Ashley Cole, who faced a charge of improper conduct for a confrontation with Cristiano Ronaldo, has been reprimanded, warned as to his future conduct and fined £10,000 (€14,500).

Vieira himself faced an improper conduct charge for failing to leave the field after being sent off and has received a one-match suspension and a £20,000 (€29,000) fine.

Arsenal were also charged as a club with failing to control their players in the September 21 encounter. The Gunners have been fined £175,000 (€254,000) and warned as to their future conduct.

The FA commission ruled that all suspensions should be served with effect from Monday, November 17.

Lauren will miss the Premiership trips to Birmingham and Leicester, the home match with Fulham and the Carling Cup clash with Wolves on December 2.

Keown will miss the above games with the exception of the Leicester match on December 6, while Parlour and Vieira will serve their suspensions when Arsenal are at St Andrews on November 22.