Arsene Wenger charged with misconduct by FA over Burnley incident

Posted Tuesday, January 24, 2017 by Skysports.com

The Football Association has charged Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with misconduct in the wake of Sunday's game with Burnley.

The Arsenal manager had been sent to the stands by referee Jon Moss for complaining about the decision to award Burnley a penalty.

Wenger had a heated exchange with fourth official Anthony Taylor before walking to stand in the tunnel, and was caught on camera pushing the fourth official before stewards stepped in between the pair.

Wenger, whose team went on to win the game 2-1 with a dramatic and controversial penalty of their own, later apologised for his actions.

The FA confirmed on Monday afternoon that he has been charged.

"Arsene Wenger has been charged for misconduct following Arsenal's game against Burnley on Sunday (22 January 2017)," a statement on the FA website read.

"It is alleged that in or around the 92nd minute, he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official.

"It is further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct.

"He has until 6pm on 26 January 2017 to respond to the charge."

Wenger said: "I regret everything. I should have shut up, gone in and go home. I apologise for that.

"I was sent to the stands. I didn't know if I was sent to the stands but I was sent out. I thought I could watch it from the corridor, you know. I went inside and watched it on television.

"Look, it was nothing bad. I said something that you hear every day in football. Overall nine times out of 10 you are not sent to the stand for that.

"If I am, I am, and I should have shut up completely. I was quite calm the whole game, more than usual, but just (not) in the last two or three minutes."

Arsene Wenger charged with misconduct by FA over Burnley incident
Wenger was involved in an altercation in the tunnel with the fourth official

Speaking on Ref Watch, Sky Sports' referee expert Dermot Gallagher said: "It's not a good reaction, one that I'm sure will be followed up by the FA. But I must say that the steward has done well there to step in between them.

"Wenger was asked to go away, but he stood his ground and didn't move, that's why this is different. It's always nice to hear somebody apologise, as Wenger has. He said quite rightly afterwards that he shouldn't have opened his mouth."