Van Persie set to escape FA punishment

Alex Ferguson’s request for the Football Association to look at Robin van Persie’s alleged elbow at Kieran Richardson is set to be denied.

The Arsenal striker is unlikely to be punished further by the FA for his clash with Richardson yesterday, with referee Mark Halsey dealing with the matter at the time by showing both players a yellow card.

The 21-year-old appeared to elbow the Manchester United winger during the Carling Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.

“The FA must look at it because the boy threw an elbow,” the United boss said after he match. “I asked the referee why both players had been booked, he said ’for aggressive intent’ and told me he hadn’t seen the elbow.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted he considered taking van Persie off after the clash.

“I did fear it was going to be worse than a yellow card, it could have been,” the Frenchman said.

“Robin shows great potential but he must also learn to keep his nerves under control and not get over-excited. I considered bringing him off because he was involved in some heated moments.”

David Bellion’s first-minute strike ensured a 1-0 victory for the home side.