Matteo Guendouzi will face no further action after grabbing Brighton’s Neal Maupay by the throat in the latter stages of Arsenal’s defeat at the Amex on Saturday.
The FA have confirmed that Guendouzi’s actions were not seen by match officials at the time, but the incident was subsequently reviewed by VAR, who decided not to take action.
Therefore, the Arsenal midfielder will be free to line up for the Gunners in Thursday’s game away at Southampton, before an FA Cup clash with Sheffield United on Sunday.
The FA have confirmed that both Brighton and Arsenal have also been warned and reminded of their responsibilities following the late confrontation between their players in the Premier League clash.
In the game, Guendouzi appeared to lash out at his countryman Maupay in two separate flashpoints during the Seagulls’ win.
Gunners players were incensed by Maupay after he jumped into Bernd Leno just before the keeper fell awkwardly causing him to suffer a serious knee injury.
Arsenal are assessing their first choice goalkeeper but the club fear he is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with ligament and cartilage damage to his his right knee.
And then the pair clashed again in the latter stages, just seconds after Maupay had won the game for Brighton with a last-gasp goal.
Although the FA have not handed out any punishments, it is understood the Premier League will also consider whether the angry scenes were in breach of their ready to play protocols which prohibit mass gatherings due to social distancing measures.
Though, given the protocols are new it is understood top-flight officials will remind players and clubs of their responsibilities rather than mete out sanctions.
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