Michael Owen will not face action for 'punch' aimed at Mikel Arteta

The Stoke City striker was angered by a tackle from the Arsenal midfielder

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere clashes with Michael Owen (Getty Images)

Stoke striker Michael Owen learnt today that he will not face a Football Association charge for his angry reaction to a Mikel Arteta tackle in the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday.

The 33-year-old former England striker, an 84th-minute substitute for Geoff Cameron, appeared to lash out at Arteta, catching him on the back with a mild punch.

But referee Chris Foy saw the incident and took no action which prevents the FA taking any retrospective action.

Stoke were trailing to Lukas Podolski's deflected free-kick when the incident happened.

After the match Stoke manager Tony Pulis said: "Arteta's challenge was poor, but Michael should not do that."

Arteta revealed that the players had apologised to each other after the match.

PA