Sport 23-09-2003 England Stars Face Ban who: Arsenal what: To face charges of disrepute following post-match fracas where: Old Trafford, MANCHESTER when: Sunday snippet: The papers are still buzzing over the fracas at Old Trafford on Sunday in which Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was jostled by his Arsenal opponents including Martin Keown, Ray Parlour, Lauren and Ashley Cole after the match. And The Telegraph`s Sam Wallace reports that shortly after the public outburst there was "a second explosive row" in the tunnel between van Nistelrooy and Arsenal`s Patrick Vieira, who had been sent off. "FA bosses are ready to charge SEVEN players - six from Arsenal plus Manchester United defender Gary Neville - for the mayhem during and after the game," says The Sun. "Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could also go in the dock for branding Van Nistelrooy a cheat in a post-match chat." "With Ashley Cole expected to face charges," says The Independent, "and Sol Campbell awaiting a hearing on a previous charge, that would leave three of England`s back-four facing disciplinary action ahead of next month`s European Championship qualifier with Turkey. Arsenal could have their entire defence suspended at once." However, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has taken the initiative by admitting that his players` behaviour was "stupid". And perhaps hoping the FA`s mercy when he says: "There are no excuses". [... more]

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