Lauren: My regret

Lauren today broke his silence over the Old Trafford fracas that brought him a four-match ban and a £40,000 fine.

The Cameroon international has been hit hardest of the five Arsenal players found guilty of charges brought by the Football Association after the 0-0 draw in September - although he has not been sent off in his three years at Highbury.

Lauren, who has until next Wednesday to lodge an appeal, is said to be both bemused and angry at the punishment.

He said: "It happened. I wish it had not happened but it did. It is not nice to see all the replays on television but you have to take it on the chin. I hope it will not happen again."

He has 18 months left on his contract which runs out at the end of next season and he added: "I would like to stay at Arsenal as long as possible. I am so happy at the club."