Four Arsenal players were banned after the 'Battle of Old Trafford'

Ferguson claimed the behaviour of the Arsenal players after the stormy match at Old Trafford last season was "the worst thing I've seen in this sport".

"Arsenal got off scot-free really, they got away with murder," he added.

"The disciplinary treatment was ridiculous when you think Eric Cantona got nine months for attacking a fan."

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira received a one-game suspension after he was sent off for kicking out at Ruud van Nistelrooy during the 0-0 draw last September.

Lauren was also banned for four matches, Martin Keown for three and Ray Parlour for one as a result of the ugly scenes at the end of the game as Arsenal players taunted van Nistelrooy for missing a penalty.

Ferguson believes the punishments should have been more substantial.

We have improved and learnt from last year Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

"All right, that was a serious offence [with Cantona] and no one would disagree that something had to be done," he said.

"But United took their own action in suspending him for four months.

"I don't think Arsenal would suspend one of their own players for four months no matter what he had done.

"The FA said what Eric did set a terrible example to young people.

"Given that he did it in a night match that wasn't on television, while United v Arsenal kicked off at lunchtime with probably about 10 million kids watching live on TV, I wonder what was really the worst example.

"What Arsenal players did that day was the worst thing I've seen in this sport. No wonder they were so delighted at the verdicts."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger played down fears that next Sunday's game could also be an aggressive affair.

"We have improved and learnt from last year," said Wenger.

"We are now contending for the fair play league so I hope we don't lower our standards.

"Apart from last year these are good football games and it is important for the image of the game [that there is not another incident]."