Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere charged by FA over foul-mouthed anti-Tottenham chant

Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for his conduct during his club's FA Cup victory parade.

During the celebrations on 31 May after the Gunners' 4-0 win over Aston Villa, Wilshere took to the microphone and is alleged to have sung and incited abusive chants regarding north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

An FA statement read: "It is alleged his conduct in making and/or inciting certain comments during the club's open bus trophy tour was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute." Wilshere has until 6pm on 10 June to respond to the charge.

Wilshere escaped internal punishment from Arsenal in the wake of the episode, however the FA will now investigate the comments, which could see the England international heavily fined or even banned for the start of next season, though the former is a more likely sanction.

Though the incident occurred during an open-top bus celebration parade, and therefore away from the field of play or social media, Wilshere represents a 'participant' over whom the FA still hold jurisdiction, and therefore a charge can still be brought against the player.

The 23-year-old has already apologised for the incident on Twitter, writing: "Sharing back2back Cup wins with so many amazing Gooners is a dream come true. Apologies if I upset or offended any of u with my celebrations."

The FA formerly warned the player last year after similar comments were made during last season's FA Cup victory celebrations following the 3-2 win over Hull City.

English football's governing body may also allude to a previous incident of misconduct involving the Arsenal player which saw him banned for two matches in December 2013 for a hand gesture made towards Manchester City fans at the Etihad Stadium.

Wilshere's off-the-field behaviour has been heavily scrutinised in previous years. He has been caught smoking in public on three different occasions, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger forced to warn the player over his conduct.

His 14-minute cameo appearance in the FA Cup final was just his 26<sup>th appearance for club and country during a campaign dominated by injury amid two bouts of ankle surgery.