Jack Wilshere charged by Football Association

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been charged by the Football Association for making an offensive gesture.

Wilshere was seen making the gesture to Manchester City fans during the Gunners' 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on December 14.

The 21-year-old was not punished at the time, but he has now been charged following a video review by a three-man panel under the FA's new pilot scheme.

"Arsenal midfield player Jack Wilshere has been charged by The FA with making an offensive and/or insulting and/or abusive gesture," read an official statement from English football's governing body.

"Under the new process, if an incident has not been seen by the match officials, a three-man panel will be asked by The FA to review it and advise what, if any action, they believe the match referee should have taken had it been witnessed at the time.

"For an FA charge to follow, all three panel members must agree it is a sending-off offence. In this instance, the panel were unanimous."

Wilshere has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to the charge.