Arsenal manager has been charged with
misconduct by disciplinary chiefs for a foul-mouthed verbal tirade at referee
Dean in the tunnel area following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against West Bromwich
Albion.
But
in a fresh blow, the Frenchman is in line for further FA sanctions after
continuing his attack on the official during yesterday’s pre-match press
conference ahead of Wednesday evening’s London derby against Chelsea.
Wenger was left fuming after Dean awarded the Baggies a crucial last-gasp penalty, that Jay Rodriguez converted to equalise, after Kieran Gibbs’ attempted cross struck Calum Chambers on the hand. Dean has since been heavily criticised for the decision, not least by Wenger, with replays indicating there was no intent from Chambers to handle
Speaking yesterday, Wenger said: ‘I must
say what is more frustrating for me is that it happened many times this season
- at Stoke, at Watford, at Man City, at West Brom. That is a concerning
coincidence for me.’
Rules
state that manager’s must wait 30 minutes after a game before they can approach
a match official. It is unclear whether Wenger adhered to that protocol.
An FA spokesman confirmed: ‘Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been charged following the West Bromwich Albion game on Sunday.
‘It
is alleged his language and/or behaviour in the match officials’ changing room
after the game was abusive and/or improper and/or questioned the integrity of
the match referee. He has until 6pm on Friday to respond.’ The charge
leaves Wenger facing a touchline — or even a stadium — ban.
The
fact this Wenger's second misconduct charge in less than 12 months is likely to
count against the manager.The Frenchman was handed a four-match touchline ban
last season after an altercation with referee Anthony Taylor, who was fourth
official during the clash against Burnley on January 22, 2017.
No comments:
Post a Comment