FA charges Arsenal boss Emery for kicking water bottle

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The Football Association (FA) on Thursday charged Unai Emery, manager of Premier League's Arsenal for improper behavior for kicking a water bottle that hit a fan during the game against Brighton on Wednesday.

"Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been charged following the game against Brighton yesterday (26 December 2018). It is alleged his action of kicking a water bottle during the fixture amounts to improper conduct. He has until 6 p.m. on January 2, 2019 to respond to the charge," the FA said in a statement.

Unai Emery (R), manager of Arsenal seems frustrated by his players' performance in the game against Brighton. /VCG Photo

When Arsenal challenged Brighton at the Falmer Stadium on Wednesday, they started leading 1-0 from the 14th minute thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goal but failed to turn it into a win because Jurgen Locadia tied the score in the 84th minute. So upset by the performance of his players, Emery showed anger by aimlessly kicking a water bottle that hit a Brighton supporter.

Though Emery went to apologize to the supporter both immediately after the incident and at the full-time whistle, the FA did not want to spare him and thus came up with the charging decision.

Players of Arsenal celebrate the goal by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. /VCG Photo

The 47-year-old Spanish manager said he will "respect" the FA's decision. "I said after the match my apologies, I kicked the bottle in frustration but not for the supporter…I hope not [to be banned] but I have to respect the decision because it is a circumstance of my action, but not another intention from me with the supporter. I say to them my apology," said the Arsenal boss at a press conference.

Arsenal currently rank No.5 on the 2018-19 Premier League with 38 points and will visit the Anfield Stadium on Saturday to challenge the undefeated No.1 ranked Liverpool.