Sir Alex Ferguson has called for the FA to launch an investigation into the 'terrible behaviour' of the Arsenal players during their meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Several of The Gunners' players pushed and harassed Ruud van Nistelrooy after he missed a penalty in stoppage time, and again at the end of the match, which finished goalless.
The visitors had been angered by the Dutch striker's reaction to a kick out from Patrick Vieira, which saw the Arsenal skipper dismissed for the eighth time under Arsene Wenger, and he was struck and pushed around by Martin Keown, Ray Parlour and Lauren after the final whistle.
The FA will have to wait for reports from referee, Steve Bennett, and fourth official, Neale Barry, but they are almost certain to launch an investigation, as Ferguson declared: "I really think that was terrible behaviour at the end. I think the FA will look into it.
"Great credit to Ruud for the way he came off the pitch but you don't want to see that kind of behaviour. I think it is beyond the pale.
"Everyone in the country will be disappointed to see that kind of behaviour. After all, these are the best two teams in the country.
"Chelsea may now be having a great go and could even win the league. But over the past few seasons, Arsenal and Manchester United have been the vanguard of our country, so you would expect better."
Keown, who has previously been disciplined for clashing with van Nistelrooy, could find himself at the centre of another inquiry, although he may not be the only one.
Indeed, this latest unsavoury incident follows the video investigation that has led to Sol Campbell being charged following the Community Shield clash between the two teams only last month.
However, despite his team's poor disciplinary record, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger attempted to defend his players' actions, saying: "If you want to convince me that Martin Keown is a devil and van Nistelrooy is an angel then you will have a big problem.
"Van Nistelrooy is quite provocative and I would say that every Arsenal player would confirm that.
"Of course, you cannot be unhappy when your opponent doesn't score a goal, but their attitude was not linked to the penalty. It was more linked to his overall attitude during the game."
Wender added: "I am here to speak about the way we played and the great spirit we have shown. That was fantastic after the knock-down on Wednesday.
"We showed a lot of character to get something out of the game. The players were so determined as you don't want to get into a crisis of confidence."
The Gunners boss was also unhappy with the penalty decision that went against his side in injury time after Steve Bennett adjudged Martin Keown to have fouled Diego Forlan as the two players challenged for an aerial cross.
He stated: "Martin Keown said he went for the ball. They both went for it and I think it is a harsh decision which provoked a lot of incidents.
"Diving is not confined to one club but all 20. I agree that we all have to fight against it, but they have some work to do here, like everyone else."
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