FA investigating altercation between Arsenal and Aston Villa staff

The FA are investigating melee between Arsenal and Aston Villa staff which saw Gunners analyst Miguel Molina at the centre of a press box spat at Villa Park during 4-2 win… with stewards forced to intervene after angry row

  • Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4-2 in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon
  • Members of the coaching staff were involved in a confrontation in the dugout
  • The FA are now looking into the angry confrontation between the staff  

The FA are looking into the fracas involving Arsenal and Aston Villa staff during the league leaders’ dramatic victory on Saturday.

An altercation between Arsenal analyst Miguel Molina and Villa’s Victor Manas broke out in stoppage time at Villa Park, after Arsenal took a 3-2 lead when Jorginho’s shot was diverted in off of ex-Gunners goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

Mikel Arteta’s side twice came from behind to secure a 4-2 victory that took them back to the top of the table.

On Monday, the FA confirmed they were looking into the incident in the stands.

It’s claimed Manas, who worked at Arsenal during Unai Emery’s tenure, was annoyed by Molina’s celebrations in the press box.

The FA are looking into an angry confrontation between Arsenal and Aston Villa staff

Miguel Molina eventually left the media area following the incident

He had a row with Unai Emery's trusted confidante Victor Manas (right)

Miguel Molina (L) eventually left the media area following a row with Unai Emery’s trusted confidante Victor Manas (far right)

Stewards moved in to diffuse the tension and Molina was eventually left the media area. Sources deny he was ejected. The two analysts reportedly spoke after the game to clear the air.

Arsenal boss Arteta vowed to look at the incident before deciding if they needed to act, too. He said: ’No (I haven’t spoken to Miguel Molina).

‘Like anything that happens in the stands, we will look at it and address it and take action if necessary.’

When asked about the altercation, Emery replied: ‘No I didn’t see it but I’m going to ask about it.’

Jorginho forced an own goal with a long range strike in injury time to give Arsenal the lead

Jorginho forced an own goal with a long range strike in injury time to give Arsenal the lead