Football in brief: FA to charge Arsenal and Hull over fracas at Emirates Stadium

Premier League: The Football Association have charged Arsenal and Hull with failing to control their players following the Premier League game at the Emirates on December 18.

A bad-tempered match erupted shortly before half-time when Samir Nasri appeared to tread on the ankle of Hull's Richard Garcia. Stephen Hunt then clashed with Nasri and a mass confrontation took place in front of referee Steve Bennett, with Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia sprinting 100 yards to get involved. Players became embroiled in ugly scenes with Bennett eventually booking Hunt and Nasri. Arsenal won the game 3-0. The clubs have until 13 January to respond.

Diouf poised for United debut after being granted work permit

Manchester United: The Senegal striker Mame Biram Diouf will be available to make his United debut next month after being granted a work permit, the club said yesterday. Diouf signed from Molde this year before returning to the Norwegian side on loan but the United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been impressed with him in training and says the 22-year-old forward could be in line for his debut in the new year. ''If you're talking about value then you can look at our young boy Diouf,'' Ferguson said. ''He's been training with us and is looking very exciting.'' Diouf has scored 35 goals in 74 games for Molde.

HMRC take Mandaric and Redknapp to court over tax evasion charge

Leicester City: Chairman Milan Mandaric is set to face legal proceedings from HM Revenue and Customs for "cheating the public revenue". The allegations go back to his time as Pompey chairman from 1998 to 2006. He will face the charges in January alongside Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who was in charge at Fratton Park at the time.

A statement issued by Cartwright King solicitors, who represent Mandaric, read: "Milan Mandaric is astounded and dismayed that proceedings are to be brought by HMRC alleging a connection with unpaid tax on a personal payment he made to Harry Redknapp in 2002. These will be vigorously defended."