LONDON • Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is free to play in Sunday's League Cup final against Arsenal after escaping punishment from the Football Association despite an altercation with a Wigan fan after the Premier League leaders' shock FA Cup defeat.
Aguero became involved in a physical exchange as hundreds of fans spilled onto the pitch following the League One side's 1-0 win in the fifth-round tie on Monday. TV footage of the chaos at the DW Stadium appeared to show Aguero raising his arm to push away the fan and later had to be restrained.
City sources have revealed Aguero, who is reportedly considering legal action, was apparently spat at in his ear and insulted.
The Argentinian will face no disciplinary action from the FA following the incident, although City's all-time record goalscorer has been "reminded of his responsibilities".
However, the FA confirmed it has charged both City and Wigan on Tuesday for failing to control their players after Fabian Delph was sent off in the first half.
"The clubs have until 6pm on Friday Feb 23, 2018 to respond. In addition, both clubs have been asked to provide their observations following the crowd trouble at the end of the game and have until Monday Feb 26, 2018 to respond," an FA statement said.
The dismissal led to a confrontation between City manager Pep Guardiola and his Wigan counterpart, Paul Cook. Their argument continued in the tunnel after the sides left the field at half-time and TV images showed Guardiola having to be held back by his colleagues.
Guardiola later played down that incident, suggesting he had been annoyed that Cook had left his technical area.
"Nothing happened in the tunnel, nothing happened with my colleague," the Spaniard said. "It was just, 'Please stay in your position', that's all, and then finished."
The FA is understood to be satisfied that no misconduct took place during the interval. Wigan earlier on Tuesday announced a full investigation into the crowd disturbances that marred the match.
The Latics will next host Southampton in the quarter-finals.
THE GUARDIAN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
