Arenal midfielder Patrick Vieira has been hit with a two match ban and œ25,000 fine after he was found guilty of using insulting language towards a referee.
The incident happened during Arsenal’s Premier League encounter with Chelsea. The Arsenal captain was sent off by referee Andy D’Urso and accused of using insulting language towards the official. Vieira was cleared of using abusive language in the same incident.
A statement on the FA’s website read: ‘The FA disciplinary commission found today that the charge of misconduct against Patrick Vieira, in that he used insulting words to the referee Andy D’Urso after being sent off in the fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea on September 1, 2002, was proved.
‘However, the charge against Vieira, in that he used abusive words to the refereein the same fixture, was not proved. The FA disciplinary commission imposed a two-match suspension and a fine of œ25,000 upon Mr Vieira.’
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed that his club was considering an appeal.
Wenger stated: ‘Patrick has been cleared of using abusive language, but there was also the charge of using insulting language.
‘As it stands he will be suspended for two games – our home game against Tottenham and away to Southampton. He has also been fined œ25,000. We are naturally very disappointed at this decision and will be thinking about an appeal over the next couple of days.’
