Jack Wilshere stunned by FA charge over anti-Tottenham chant

Jack Wilshere admits he was shocked to be charged by the FA for swearing on Arsenal’s open-top bus victory parade – and claims his anti-Tottenham jibe was only ‘a bit of fun’.

Wilshere is weighing up whether to contest a misconduct charge – which was inadvertently revealed to him by a member of the FA’s media department when he joined up for England duty last Wednesday.

The Gunners midfielder had been warned about a similar episode during last season’s FA victory parade.

But he claims his alcohol-fuelled outburst while celebrating last month’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa was no different to any other person in high spirits enjoying a success at work.
Asked whether he had learned a lesson, Wilshere said: “Yes, that’s one way of looking at it, but at the same time people have been giving me a lot of stick for having some fun and enjoying myself at the end of the season.

“We’ve worked hard all year and we’ve won a trophy. That’s the best feeling in the world.

"No matter what job you do, if at the end of the year you get a promotion and a bonus, you’re going to go out and celebrate. So I think that side of things was a bit harsh.

“I am quite proud of always having had that bond with the Arsenal fans since I was young because I came through the club.

“I grew up at Arsenal and I love the fans, but believe it or not, I’ve actually got family who are Tottenham fans so it’s nothing personal against them, it was just a bit of fun.

“I found out about the charge when I met up with England. One of the press officers told me. It was a surprise. I didn’t know I’d been charged so I was like, ‘what?’

“It’s being dealt with by the FA and my club. What will be, will be.”
The FA insist Wilshere’s club and agent were informed of the charge – which could carry a playing ban – before the player met up with Roy Hodgson’s squad for the matches against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.

Credit: Mirror Sport

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