Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been handed a three-match touchline ban as a result of his actions in a Premier League meeting with West Brom.
The Gunners boss was charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) following a contest at The Hawthorns, and he must now serve a suspension as well as pay a fine.
Wenger’s first game in the stands will be Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash with Nottingham Forest, while he will also be absent from the dugout for a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie with Chelsea and a Premier League date with Bournemouth.
A statement released by the FA read: “Arsene Wenger will serve a touchline ban for Arsenal’s next three matches after he was charged with misconduct.
“It follows an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today [05/01/18] at which the Arsenal manager admitted that his language and behaviour in the match officials’ changing room after the West Bromwich Albion game on Sunday [31/12/17] was abusive, improper and questioned the integrity of the match referee.
“He was also fined £40,000.”
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GAMES WENGER WILL BE ABSENT FOR
| Date | Opponent | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 7 | Nottingham Forest | FA Cup |
| Jan 10 | Chelsea | Carabao Cup |
| Jan 14 | Bournemouth | Premier League |
Wenger had been angered by the match officials against West Brom after seeing his side concede a late penalty.
Mike Dean pulled up Calum Chambers for an alleged handball, which allowed Jay Rodriguez to convert from the spot and snatch a 1-1 draw for the Baggies.
Wenger took his protests from the touchline to the referees’ room afterwards, and has now paid the price.
He had vowed to contest the charge and was still standing by his comments while on pre-match press duty on Friday morning.
Wenger told reporters when quizzed on his outburst: "I've nothing to add, I maintain what I said. We can spend all day talking about things that aren't important, but we want to see big games, with important players and see them refereed by top professionals.
"I try to serve this game with honestly and integrity. When I have something to say, I say it.
"I had a huge influence on them [referees] becoming professional, so that's why I think I am allowed to be demanding.
"Imagine, I am 21 years in the game and what I've seen and heard in corridors – I'm surprised and shocked to be charged."
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