09 August 2023 , 17:29
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Arsenal analyst Miguel Molina and Aston Villa counterpart Victor Manas have learned their punishment for a fracas after the two teams' headed Premier League clash, with the Gunners man avoiding a ban.
The incident occurred at Villa Park in February, a game which Arsenal won 4-2 after late drama, having twice trailed in the first half. An own goal from former Gunners keeper Emi Martinez put Mikel Arteta's team into a stoppage-time lead, with Gabriel Martinelli adding their fourth on the break.
Tempers flared amid the late drama, with Molina kicked out of the press box by a steward and Manas being held back from an altercation, while the pair continued their dispute in the tunnel following the final whistle. Now, nearly six months after the incident, the FA has handed out punishments to the two men.
Molina has been handed a warning for his part in the incident. Manas, meanwhile, will serve a three-match stadium ban and has also been handed an £8,000 fine.
Manas followed Unai Emery to Villa Park after working under the manager at Arsenal earlier in his career, and also worked under the manager at Villarreal in the interim. His punishment has been delivered following a ruling from an independent commission, and comes after he "admitted that his behaviour during the 94th minute was improper and violent", according to the FA.
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A second heated row broke out in the tunnel after the game, prompting charges of "improper behaviour" for the pair. However, these were later withdrawn.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was asked about the incident in the light of the win against Villa “Like anything that happens in the stands. We will look at it, address it and take action if it’s necessary,” he said.
After escaping with a warning, Molina will now be free to attend Arsenal's Premier League opener. The Gunners take on Nottingham Forest at home in their first game of the season, with the match kicking off at 12.30pm on Saturday.
Arsenal and Villa will meet for the first time this season on December 9, with the league game taking place at Villa Park. The reverse fixture, at the Emirates Stadium, is scheduled for April 13, though both games could yet be changed depending on TV scheduling or European involvement.