The midfielder faces a possible ban after appearing to raise his middle finger to the home support during Arsenal’s 6-3 defeat, with the incident caught on video.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been charged by the Football Association for making an offensive gesture in the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City.

The incident was not seen by match officials at the time, though video evidence has led to a potential retrospective ban and has been deemed a “sending-off offence”.

Wilshere has until 18.00GMT on December 18 to respond to the charge before facing a possible ban, which will include the Emirates Stadium clash with title rivals Chelsea on December 23.

A statement on the FA’s official website reads: “Wilshere has been charged retrospectively by The FA under a new pilot project for potential ‘not seen’ incidents in Premier League matches.

“Under the new process, if an incident has not been seen by the match officials, a three-man panel will be asked by The FA to review it and advise what, if any action, they believe the match referee should have taken had it been witnessed at the time.

“For an FA charge to follow, all three panel members must agree it is a sending-off offence. In this instance, the panel were unanimous.”

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez received a one-match ban in December 2011 following an offensive gesture he made to Fulham fans during a Premier League match at Craven Cottage.

According to Goal