ARSENAL have been fined £40,000 after their players surrounded the referee during the Emirates FA Cup tie at Oxford United.

In the 34th minute, while the game was still goalless, Albert Sambi Lokonga had a shot blocked by Elliott Moore inside the penalty area.

Gunners players surrounded referee David Coote, appealing for a handball against Moore, however Coote gave a corner to the away side.

An FA statement read: “Arsenal FC has been fined £40,000 after its players surrounded a match official during the FA Cup tie at Oxford United.

“Arsenal FC denied an allegation from the FA that the club had failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 34th minute, and the club also requested a hearing.

“An independent regulatory commission subsequently upheld the allegation and imposed the club’s fine.

“Its written reasons for these decisions will be published in due course.”