Tottenham and Arsenal both charged by FA after NLD

The Football Association has come down hard on both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal after Sunday’s North London Derby, and decided to charge both clubs with failure to control their players.

The incident was the first half sideline brawl after Eric Dier scored an equalizing goal with his head. Dier ran to the corner and “shushed” the home supporters, resulting in a number of Arsenal bench players to rush up to confront Dier and his Spurs teammates. The fracas also apparently involved a few support staff members from both clubs.

The FA’s statement reads as follows:

“Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been charged following their game yesterday [02/12/18]. It is alleged that in the 32nd minute, they failed to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.”

So, fair enough. It’s a North London Derby, emotions were running hot on both sides, and we all kinda knew something like this might happen. Dier was a bit of a (glorious, amazing, incredible) jerk for inciting the crowd with his shithousery, and the Arsenal players were justifiably incensed and overreacted. It made for a great Derby atmosphere, you have to say, but it’s good that nobody got hurt.

Both clubs have until Thursday to decide if they want to contest the charges or not. The most likely result is that both clubs will receive a fine and life will go on. At least until the NEXT North London Derby at the Emirates, December 19 in the League Cup.