Wilshere accepts charge for offensive gesture

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has accepted a charge from the English Football Association for making an abusive gesture towards fans during a Premier League match but will contest an expected two-match ban.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has accepted a charge from the English Football Association for making an abusive gesture towards fans during a Premier League match but will contest an expected two-match ban.

The England international raised his middle finger toward Manchester City supporters during Saturday's game at Etihad Stadium, which Arsenal lost 6-3.

The incident was not seen by match officials at the time but the FA charged Wilshere retrospectively after a study of video footage.

Blackpool winger Tom Ince was given a two-game ban when he was retrospectively charged for a similar incident earlier this season, but Arsenal has reportedly submitted mitigating circumstances to the FA in seeking a lesser sanction.

The case will be heard by a commission on Thursday.