Arsenal chief: We were stupid

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has accused his players of "stupid behaviour" in the aftermath of Sunday's tempestuous draw at Old Trafford.

The Football Association today look set to hit the club with a string of disciplinary charges.

Martin Keown and five team-mates - Patrick Vieira, Lauren, Ashley Cole, Ray Parlour and Jens Lehmann - are expected to be charged individually, while the club could also be in trouble for failing to control their players.

It is also believed that United defender Gary Neville could be cited for throwing a punch and Wenger will be asked to explain why he accused Ruud van Nistelrooy of cheating.

Hill-Wood believes his team should have known better than to get involved in confrontations with the Manchester United striker and match officials.

His views stand in contrast to those of Arsene Wenger who refused to condemn his players over the post-match fracas.

Hill-Wood said: "There are no excuses. We were guilty of stupid behaviour. The players concerned were rather silly when you would hope they would show more intelligence. What makes matters worse is the fact it was senior players who were involved, experienced professionals who have played more than enough games to know not to react like that. All I can say in our defence is we are not a dirty side and nobody was hurt.

"I did not see the incidents after Sunday's game because I left my seat immediately on the final whistle. But I have seen the replays and will talk to Arsene about what went on, as I always do."