London, Oct 31: The English Football Association has fined Arsenal and banned players for scuffles with Manchester United last month.
Arsenal were fined 175,000 pounds ($298,100) on Thursday for failing to control their players in the 0-0 English premier league draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 21. The English Football Association also fined and banned four Arsenal players -- defenders Lauren and Martin Keown, captain Patrick Vieira and fellow midfielder Ray Parlour -- for their behaviour at the match. Arsenal were also reprimanded and warned about their future conduct after a lengthy disciplinary hearing at FA headquarters in central London attended by the club's lawyers and manager Arsene Wenger. Wenger arrived for the hearing without comment. When he left he also told reporters he would not comment.

Arsenal's fine was the second largest handed out to a club in English soccer history. Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur were fined 1.5 million for financial irregularities in 1994.


Cameroon defender Lauren was banned for four matches and fined 40,000 pounds for violent behaviour and improper conduct.


Keown received a three-match ban and a 20,000 pounds fine for violent behaviour. Parlour was banned for one match and fined 10,000 pounds for improper conduct and Vieira was banned for one-game and fined 20,000 pounds, also for improper conduct.


The bans take effect from Monday, November 17, the FA said. All five Arsenal players had admitted the misconduct charges and Arsenal Football Club admitted failing to control their players during the game.


The game at Old Trafford became bad-tempered when Vieira was sent off in the 81st minute of the game for kicking out at United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.


Van Nistelrooy then missed a last-minute penalty and, after the final whistle a furious melee ensued, with Lauren, Keown and Parlour all confronting the Dutch striker.


Vieira's improper conduct charge related to him failing to leave the field of play immediately following his red card.


A fifth Arsenal player, England defender Ashley Cole, escaped a ban but was warned about his future conduct and fined 10,000 pounds for a confrontation with United winger Cristiano Ronaldo after the final whistle.


Ronaldo and United team mate Ryan Giggs, who plan to contest charges of misconduct relating to the same game, are yet to have their hearings.


A club statement on Arsenal's official website said: "Following today's FA hearing, the Club would once again like to apologise for the conduct of its players during the FA Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford played on 21st September 2003.


Arsenal requires its players to behave properly at all times, both on and off the field. The Club accepts that what occurred during and immediately after the match on 21st September 2003 fell well below the required standard.


The Club accepts responsibility for the behaviour of its players. Arsne Wenger strives to ensure that his players do not cross the line which divides committed play from improper or violent conduct. The players are instructed not to allow themselves to be provoked and are reminded that their triumphs have come when they have not allowed themselves to be distracted from the game.


The players also accept responsibility for their own actions and Martin Keown, Lauren, Patrick Vieira, Ray Parlour and Ashley Cole would like to use this opportunity to apologise for their conduct.


As far as the penalties are concerned, the Club is currently considering its position".


Bureau Report