Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger has been slapped with a three-match touchline ban and a hefty fine on Friday for his outburst against referee Mike Dean in the aftermath of his side’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.
“Arsène Wenger will serve a touchline ban for Arsenal’s next three matches after he was charged with misconduct,” a FA statement read.
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“It follows an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today 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,” the statement added.
Wenger had repeatedly stated he had done nothing wrong but now the veteran French manager will be forced to sit out of his side’s next three games.
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The games Wenger is going to miss are: Nottingham Forest (FA Cup third round, January 7), Chelsea (EFL Cup semi-final first leg, January 10) and Bournemouth (Premier League, January 14).
The 68-year-old Gunners boss will return to the touchline for their January 20 Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
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While the Gunners are expected to progress to the next round of the FA Cup at the expensive of Nottingham Forest without their manager, their EFL Cup tie against Chelsea looks even more difficult now and the North Londoners will be hard-pressed to come away with a win from Stamford Bridge.