The England international unsuccessfully
argued that the punishment was excessive but
the FA's independent panel rules him out of
matches against Chelsea and West Ham
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been
suspended for two games, the Football
Association has confirmed, after being found
guilty of making an offensive gesture during
the Gunners' defeat to Manchester City.
As the north Londoners were
beaten 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium,
the England international was
caught on camera appearing to
extend his middle finger towards
supporters.
Deemed a "sending-off offence" by
the FA's three-person panel
covering events not seen by
officials during matches, the
gesture has cost Wilshere his
eligibility for Monday's Premier
League encounter with Chelsea.
He will also miss the Gunners'
Boxing Day clash with West Ham.
"Whilst admitting the charge, Wilshere claimed
the standard sanction for this offence was
clearly excessive," said a statement on the FA's
official website.
"The [Independent Regulatory] Commission
rejected this claim and the two-match
suspension will commence with immediate
effect."