Pardew (right) and Wenger were involved in a touchline tussle

The FA are reviewing TV footage of the incident, which occurred when Wenger was angered by the way Pardew celebrated his side's winning goal.

However, Hill-Wood told the Daily Star: "It should be passed over. It was a brief little piece of passion.

"I really do not think it is a serious thing at all."

He added: "It was a little flurry and, quite honestly, it is a game played with great passion and people are passionate about it, so I am very relaxed.

"I have not said anything to Arsene about it and I do not intend to say anything to him about it."

I think Arsene was pretty upset but I am sure he will talk at the next press conference Peter Hill-Wood

League Managers Association chief executive John Barnwell agrees that the issue is in danger of being blown out of proportion, but says the incident was "unacceptable".

"It is something that is unacceptable from two decent guys but I do not think it is a major issue personally," he said.

"Too many people are trying to make a major issue out of it because they are looking for a story. All it does is show you the emotions of the game."

Barnwell thinks moving the rival dugouts further apart on the touchline may prevent similar incidents.

"I feel the technical area has always been a problem and the two dugouts should be moved 20 metres apart. We flagged it up ages ago but it is really another issue in this instance."

Hill-Wood, who watched the game at home, admitted Wenger had lost his cool at Upton Park.