Hleb's season is over as FA bans him for three matches after Murty clash

The Belarus winger was involved in an off-the-ball clash with Reading captain Graeme Murty during the Barclays Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

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Hleb appeared to strike the Royals defender with his open hand, but the incident - which left both Murty and the Reading bench incensed - was missed by referee Peter Walton.

However, officials at Soho Square, as well as Walton himself, reviewed television footage and subsequently charged the Arsenal winger.

The resulting suspension - which rules the 26-year-old out of the games with Derby, Everton and finally Sunderland - is a punishment Hleb would have received on the day had it been seen and punished by a red card from the referee.

An FA statement read: "Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has admitted a charge of violent conduct and will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect.

"Hleb was charged for his involvement in an incident with Reading defender Graeme Murty during the second half of the match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 19 April.

"The incident was not seen by referee Peter Walton. Having now watched video footage of the incident, Walton has informed The FA that, had he seen it at the time, he would have shown Hleb a red card for violent conduct."

The loss of Hleb is another blow to manager Arsene Wenger, who has seen his team's season unravel over the past eight weeks having at one stage looked well set for both the Premier League title and European glory.

The winger has been one of Arsenal's most consistent performers and has been linked with a big-money move to the continent this summer, with Inter Milan said to be keeping close tabs on the situation.

Wenger continues to maintain his priority is keeping the current squad together, with the future of out-of-contract midfielder Mathieu Flamini yet to be resolved.

Juventus have made no secret of their interest in the French international, should he become available.

Director Jean-Claude Blanc said in Corriere dello Sport: "This is an important player who we have been chasing for some time - and it will have to be good to take him because many teams are interested.

"In order to convince champions you need to take into account their ambitions. To get champions you have to think big."