- Images from the match

The English Football Association also fined and banned four Arsenal players -- defenders Lauren and Martin Keown, captain Patrick Vieira and fellow midfielder Ray Parlour -- for their behaviour in the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. A fifth Arsenal player, England defender Ashley Cole, escaped a ban but was also fined.

The premier league leaders were also reprimanded and warned about their future conduct after a lengthy disciplinary hearing at FA headquarters in central London attended by the club's lawyers and manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal's fine was the second largest handed out to a club in English soccer history. Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur were fined 1.5 million for financial irregularities in 1994.

The suspensions will also hamper Arsenal's title challenge.

Cameroon defender Lauren was banned for four matches and fined 40,000 pounds for violent behaviour and improper conduct. Keown received a three-match ban and a 20,000 pounds fine for violent behaviour.

Parlour was banned for one match and fined 10,000 pounds for improper conduct and Frenchman Vieira was banned for one-game and fined 20,000 pounds, also for improper conduct.

The bans take effect from Monday, November 17, the FA said.

Left back Cole was warned about his future conduct and fined 10,000 pounds for a confrontation with United winger Cristiano Ronaldo after the final whistle.

Two weeks ago all five Arsenal players admitted the misconduct charges and Arsenal Football Club admitted failing to ensure the proper behaviour of their players.

ARSENAL APOLOGY

The game at Old Trafford exploded into life when Vieira was sent off in the 81st minute for kicking out at United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy then missed a last-minute penalty and, after the final whistle a furious melee ensued, with Lauren, Keown and Parlour all jostling the Dutch striker.

Vieira's improper conduct charge related to him failing to leave the field of play immediately following his red card.

Ronaldo and United team mate Ryan Giggs, who plan to contest charges of misconduct relating to the same game, are yet to have their hearings.

Wenger was driven away from Thursday's hearing without speaking to reporters but Arsenal said in a statement on their official website they were considering whether to appeal against any of the punishments.

The club also apologised for its players' behaviour, which it said "fell well below the required standard."

"The players also accept responsibility for their own actions and Martin Keown, Lauren, Patrick Vieira, Ray Parlour and Ashley Cole would like to use this opportunity to apologise for their conduct," Arsenal said.

If Arsenal appeal, it could delay the start date of the suspensions. Arsenal's first game after November 17 is the away premier league match at Birmingham on November 22.

The bans only apply to domestic matches, not Champions League games.