There was not enough time for Wenger's evidence on the opening day of his appeal against the Football Association ban.

However, Sunderland midfielder Darren Williams did travel down from the North-East to give evidence, believed to be in support of fourth official Paul Taylor, who also gave his version of events.

Wenger was supported by three of his players - David Seaman, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires - who all gave evidence on his behalf.

He was charged under newly-introduced FA punishment guidelines with "alleged threatening behaviour and physical intimidation" towards Taylor after the Gunners' 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light last August.

Arsenal were incensed at the late dismissal of Patrick Vieira after a clash with Williams and Taylor, in his first match as a Premiership fourth official, later reported Wenger for physically shoving him in the tunnel.

However, the Arsenal boss insists that, along with Taylor, he was simply intervening in a row developing between Henry and Williams.

That Williams flew down from the north east to give evidence as part of the 'prosecution' case may have harmed Wenger's cause.

But the evidence of Taylor will be crucial, given that Wenger's defence team will attempt to point to the official having himself been charged by the FA with allegedly abusing a Notts County player in a separate incident.

Taylor, whose hearing is next Tuesday, nevertheless remains innocent until proven guilty, while Wenger, who had two barristers appearing on his behalf at the hearing, must wait until Friday to give his version of events.

That is due to last about two hours, with a judgment expected around lunchtime at the FA's Soho Square headquarters.

Wenger made no comment as he left Thursday's hearing beyond joking that he would give his normal press conference at Arsenal's training ground on Friday "as long as I'm not behind bars".

If the Frenchman has to face a touchline ban, then it would almost certainly be brought into force immediately, starting with this weekend's game at Coventry.

His fate will be decided by a three-man panel, chaired by an independent QC along with two FA councillors.