Jack Wilshere and Arsenal Reportedly Set to Fight Potential 2-Game FA Ban

Jack Wilshere will look to appeal the two-match ban expected to be handed to him as a result of his middle-finger hand gesture, which he allegedly gave in the direction of Manchester City fans last weekend.

The incident occurred during the second half of Arsenal's 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, which saw the Gunners' lead chopped at the top of the Premier League table.

Sky Sports News confirmed the news:

According to the Press Association's Jim van Wijk (h/t Daily Mail), the 21-year-old accepts the charge given to him by the FA, but will contest the length of the ban.

An excerpt from van Wijk's report reads:

"

With the precedent of a two-match suspension handed out to Blackpool winger Tom Ince when he (was) retrospectively charged in relation to a gesture towards a match official in a Capital One Cup tie against Preston earlier this season, Sportsmail understands Arsenal have submitted mitigating circumstances to the governing body, arguing the length of the punishment is excessive.

"

Wilshere's charge was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon, but it's now understood the case for appeal will be heard on Thursday, Arsene Wenger's side hoping to restrict the suspension to one game.

Should the appeal be unsuccessful, the Arsenal midfielder will miss Monday's visit of Chelsea before then sitting out the Boxing Day trip to West Ham United.  

Following their defeat to Manuel Pellegrini's side, Wenger's men sit just two points in front of Liverpool and Chelsea, and could drop down to fifth should they fail to win these next two fixtures.

Position	Club	Played	Goal Difference	Points
1	Arsenal	16	+16	35
2	Liverpool	16	+21	33
3	Chelsea	16	+14	33
4	Manchester City	16	+29	32
5	Everton	16	+12	31

Luis Suarez gave an identical middle-finger salute to the home fans during a 2011 defeat at Craven Cottage, but was only given a one-match suspension and a fine of £20,000.

It's strange that the FA should allow appeals for a suspension termed as "mandatory," especially considering Wilshere is accepting of his wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, the Times' Tony Barrett doesn't think any suspension is necessary:

Arsenal clearly feel a two-game ban would be harsh in comparison to previous cases (i.e. the aforementioned suspension of Suarez), but this punishment is outlined under a new Premier League pilot scheme for "not seen" incidents.

The commission for Wilshere's case will meet on Thursday.