Matteo Guendouzi facing FA ban for grabbing Neal Maupay by the throat in Brighton’s win over Arsenal

Matteo Guendouzi is facing an FA ban for grabbing Brighton striker Neal Maupay by the throat in Saturday’s ill-tempered clash.

Arsenal midfielder Guendouzi appeared to lash out at his countryman Maupay in two separate flashpoints during the Seagulls’ win.

Gunners players were incensed by Maupay after he jumped into Bernd Leno just before the keeper fell awkwardly causing him to suffer a serious knee injury.

Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi appeared to grab Brighton striker Neal Maupay by the throat

Brighton’s Maupay went to ground after being confronted by Arsenal midfielder Guendouzi

Brighton players intervene to ensure Maupay (left) and Guendouzi are kept apart

Arsenal were assessing their first choice goalkeeper on Sunday but the club fear he is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with ligament and cartilage damage to his his right knee.

It means Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is set to be without his first-choice goalkeeper for at least the end of the season while there are substantial concerns the Germany international could miss the start of next term.

But now Arsenal are facing up to losing Guendouzi for Thursday’s trip to Southampton through suspension under the FA’s fast-track disciplinary system.

The FA will await referee Martin Atkinson’s report to see if the incident that saw Guendouzi grab Maupay by the throat was included.

If it wasn’t then the FA will consider taking retrospective action against the French midfielder for the incident that sparked a mass confrontation between both sets of players.

Gunners players were furious with Maupay during the game, believing Leno’s injury lay squarely on his shoulders, even though Arteta exonerated the Brighton forward after the game.

Maupay had earlier in the game clashed with Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno in a battle for the ball

Indeed, sources claim Arsenal players were taking verbal digs at Maupay during the game borne out of frustration at the incident – which led Maupay to say they lacked ‘humility’ after the game.

Guendouzi’s potential ban is just one of a crib sheet of disciplinary issues that need to be resolved following the fiery clash.

The FA will also consider if the mass confrontation after the final whistle constitutes a charge for both clubs failing to control their players.

Similarly, the Premier League will also consider whether the angry scenes were in breach of their ready to play protocols which prohibit mass gatherings due to social distancing measures if the FA decide to take action.

Though, given the protocols are new it is understood top-flight officials will remind players and clubs of their responsibilities rather than mete out sanctions.