Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson has warned Manchester United and Arsenal about the conduct of their respective managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
Thompson warned both clubs that the FA could intervene unless the feuding pair cease hostilities.
“We’re prepared to take whatever action is necessary to end hostilities between the clubs,” Thompson told The Sun.
“I would prefer if it could be resolved internally. You don’t want people wheeled into the headmaster’s study.”
The two clubs are due to meet at Highbury next month, and police have warned both managers about their inflammatory language.
Sports Minister Richard Caborn has also urged the managers to end the “pantomime” war of words.
The latest exhanges between Wenger and Ferguson date back to United’s 2-0 victory at Old Trafford in October which ended Arsenal’s unbeaten 49-match unbeaten run.
“We were going to have a meeting with both clubs after the first game,” said Thompson.
“We have responsibilities and we will make sure those are carried out. We want to try and resolve this issue.”
