Arsenal manager Unai Emery accepted a charge of improper conduct and an £8,000 fine for kicking a water bottle into the crowd during his side's Boxing Day clash with Brighton. AFP/Ian KINGTON
“Unai Emery has been fined £8,000 after he admitted an FA improper conduct charge and accepted the standard penalty,” English football’s governing body announced said in a statement.
The FA had announced on Thursday that the Spaniard had been charged over the incident — which took place at full-time of the Gunners’ 1-1 draw on the south coast — although Emery himself had initially hoped his apologising to the home supporter would have been enough to see him escape punishment.
“I hope so, yes,” the former Paris Saint-Germain boss had said when asked whether his apology should be the end of the matter.
“But I have to respect the decision because it is a circumstance of my action but not another intention from me with the supporter. I say to them my apology.”
Emery has however escaped a touchline ban and will be free to take charge when Fulham visit the Emirates on New Year’s Day.
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