'Passionate' Jack Wilshere backed to fire up Arsenal despite U23s red card

Dismissed | Jack Wilshere reacted badly to a strong tackle
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Jack Wilshere could be Arsene Wenger's missing link with his "fiery and passionate approach", according to the chair of Arsenal's Independent Supporters' Association.

The England international, who spent last season on-loan with Bournemouth, was sent off an hour into the U23s' clash against Manchester City on Monday night.

Wilshere sparked a mass brawl in the centre circle having taken exception to a hefty challenge from City midfielder Matthew Smith before tussling with Tyreke Wilson, who was also shown a red card.

However, according to Lois Langton, Wilshere showed exactly the spirit which has been missing from Arsene Wenger’s side.

"Jack's reaction to what was an unnecessarily heavy challenge must be looked at in the context of his career which has to date been blighted by injury," she told Press Association Sport.

"It says little for the English game that the Man City player's lunge on Jack has come in for almost no criticism in comparison to Jack's retaliatory push which resulted in a brawl only when a second Man City player chose to wade into the action.

"Whilst Jack's reaction cannot be condoned, the judgemental response and sensationalist headlines are wholly unwarranted.

"Jack's fiery and passionate approach to games could be said to be precisely what is lacking in our team at the moment and for many supporters, the sooner Jack is back in first team action, the better."

After the game, which the Gunners won 4-3, Wilshere took to Instragram to declare that his “hunger is back" and he is "buzzing for more games."

The 25-year-old will serve a three-match-ban for his actions, however, it does not apply to first team games.