Jack Wilshere handed two-game ban

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been issued with a two-game ban for an "offensive and/or insulting and/or abusive gesture" toward Manchester City fans on Saturday.

Wilshere appeared to raise his middle finger in the direction of the home supporters during the Gunners' 6-3 defeat at Eastlands on December 14.

The 21-year-old accepted the charge by the Football Association on Tuesday but, despite appealing the expected punishment, the England international has seen the sanction upheld by an Independent Regulatory Commission.

Consequently, Wilshere is poised to miss Monday's clash with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, along with the Boxing Day fixture with West Ham United.