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Wenger to fight FA conduct charge | |
(about 16 hours later) | |
The Football Association has charged Arsene Wenger with improper conduct after he was sent to the stands during Arsenal's match with Portsmouth. | |
Wenger's criticism of referee Steve Bennett saw him removed from the touchline for the second half. | |
He now has until 5 January to respond to the charge, but has made it clear he will fight it. | |
"I will not accept any charge," said Wenger. "I feel that strongly about it. I find it quite scandalous." | |
Wenger, who was fined £10,000 last week for his dust-up with ex-West Ham boss Alan Pardew, was angry at the award of the free-kick which saw Pompey take the lead in first-half stoppage time. | |
606: DEBATE What's the point of fining £10,000? Points are the only way to hurt offenders EP 606: Have your say | 606: DEBATE What's the point of fining £10,000? Points are the only way to hurt offenders EP 606: Have your say |
After complaining to the fourth official he continued his argument with Bennett down the tunnel. | After complaining to the fourth official he continued his argument with Bennett down the tunnel. |
Wenger said: "I think I am big enough to say when I am wrong and big enough to accept it, but on this particular incident I don't accept what has happened. I arrived (in England) 10 years ago and believe me I have seen 10 times worse than what happened on Saturday. | |
"I complained because I didn't feel it was a free-kick but I didn't use any bad language. | |
"It didn't disturb me too much and I don't expect to be banned. Do you want me sent to jail?" | "It didn't disturb me too much and I don't expect to be banned. Do you want me sent to jail?" |
But the FA warned him as to his future conduct at the hearing over his spat with Pardew and has decided to take action against the Frenchman. | But the FA warned him as to his future conduct at the hearing over his spat with Pardew and has decided to take action against the Frenchman. |