Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and West Ham's Alan Pardew were both charged with improper conduct by England's Football Association on Wednesday following their weekend sideline scuffle.

The FA cited the two for ``aggressive and confrontational behaviour'' during West Ham's 1-0 Premier League win over the Gunners at Upton Park on Sunday.

The two had to be separated by fourth match official Andy D'Urso after Pardew celebrated Marlon Harewood's 88th-minute goal a few metres away from Wenger.

The Frenchman pushed Pardew, who replied with an expletive. Wenger again tried to get at Pardew but was held back.

Wenger, arms crossed over his chest, refused to shake Pardew's hand after the match and skipped a news conference.

West Ham said it was ``astonished'' by the FA charge and would ``vigorously'' defend Pardew. Arsenal had no immediate comment.

``We believe Alan Pardew did no more than celebrate in a passionate manner following a crucial goal in a London derby,'' West Ham managing director Paul Aldridge said.

Pardew, whose job had been in jeopardy following a run of eight straight defeats, apologized after the match for his ``overexuberant'' celebrations. Wenger still has not commented.

The two have until Nov. 23 to respond to the FA charges.

© The Canadian Press, 2007