Walcott to miss world cup

England forward Theo Walcott will miss this year's World Cup in Brazil after being ruled out for at least six months with a knee injury, his club, Arsenal, said on Monday.

 

Walcott suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during Arsenal's 2-0 FA Cup win at home to arch north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

 

An Arsenal statement said Walcott is "expected to be out for at least six months, therefore missing the remainder of the (English) season and the World Cup in Brazil in the summer".

 

The 24-year-old Walcott jarred his knee towards the end of the match making a tackle and was carried from the field.

 

Whilst on a stretcher, Walcott was pelted by coins and plastic bottles, among other objects, from the away end.

 

Earlier on Monday and before the extent of his injury was made public, the Football Association (FA), the English game's governing body, said Walcott would not face disciplinary action for making a '2-0' gesture from his stretcher that appeared to be aimed at Spurs fans.

 

"The FA has contacted both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to seek their observations in relation to objects being thrown from both a home and away section of the crowd at different times during Saturday's FA Cup third round tie.

 

"The FA condemns any such acts and will liaise with both clubs and the Metropolitan Police to identify those responsible and support the strongest sanctions available, including life bans.

 

"Meanwhile, in relation to the same fixture, The FA has contacted Arsenal's Theo Walcott and reminded him of his responsibilities regarding a 'score-line' gesture he made in front of away supporters during the game. The FA will not be taking any further disciplinary action."

 

Meanwhile

 

 

Walcott will not be punished by England's Football Association for taunting Tottenham fans during his team's 2-0 win in the FA Cup on Saturday.

 

As he was being taken off on a stretcher with a knee injury, Walcott signaled the 2-0 score with his fingers to the Tottenham supporters, who pelted the England international and the medics carrying him with coins and bottles.

 

The FA says in a statement released Monday that it has contacted Walcott "and reminded him of his responsibilities regarding a 'scoreline' gesture he made," but will not be taking any further disciplinary action.

 

The governing body also says it has contacted the north London clubs to seek their observations in relation to objects being thrown from both sets of fans during the game.

 

Reuters/AP