LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United`s Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was charged with serious foul play by the Football Association (FA).
Van Nistelrooy, who could be banned for up to three games, was charged after an incident where he appeared to deliberately stamp on Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole during Sunday`s 2-0 Premiership win at Old Trafford that ended the champions English top-flight record 49 game unbeaten run.
In a statement the governing body said: "The FA has today (Monday) charged Manchester United`s Ruud van Nistelrooy with a breach of FA Rule E3 for serious foul play.
"The charge relates to an incident involving Ashley Cole during the match between Manchester United and Arsenal on Sunday, 24th October 2004.
"Van Nistelrooy is required to admit or deny the charge by Tuesday 26 October, with the case scheduled to be heard by a Disciplinary Commission on Thursday 28 October."
The match also produced several controversial incidents and led to ugly scenes in the tunnel between the two teams afterwards.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was also facing disciplinary action. He was especially incensed by the 73rd minute penalty awarded by referee Mike Riley after Wayne Rooney went down under what appeared to be a light challenge at best from England team-mate Sol Campbell.
It so happened this was the eighth penalty Riley had awarded to United in his past eight matches at Old Trafford.
Afterwards the Frenchman, who accused van Nistelrooy of cheating for his challenge on Cole, said: "Riley has decided the game like he can at Manchester United, we know that."
The FA said Wenger had "been asked to explain his post-match comments about van Nistelrooy and referee Mike Riley."
Its statement added: "The FA is also looking into reports of an alleged incident in the tunnel after the match."
10/25/2004 - 17:05 GMT - AFP