Dennis Bergkamp is considering a personal plea for his FA charge of violent misconduct when the date for the hearing is announced. Arsenal's in-form Dutch striker fears a three-match ban which could include keeping him out of the clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on December 7 but still claims, "In my opinion this case should be closed."
Television cameras caught Bergkamp placing a foot on the chest of grounded Blackburn Rovers' player Nils-Eric Johansson during Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Highbury on October 26.
The pair had clashed by the touchline and referee Graham Barber awarded a free-kick against Bergkamp, but has subsequently admitted he missed the alleged stamping on the Swedish defender which seemingly motivated the FA compliance office's investigation of television evidence highlighted by ITV's The Premiership coverage.
Johansson has since been reported as saying, "He didn't hurt me much but last season at Blackburn he elbowed me before he scored the winning goal and so perhaps he deserves a suspension."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has vowed to vigorously defend Bergkamp and the striker said, "The matter is still with the club but I find it is all a bit strange. For me the referee saw what happened, told me to calm down and it should be over with by now."
Filed by Johnny Proby
