Wenger defiant in face of second charge
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is on a collision course with the Football Association after being charged over his conduct for the second time in five weeks.
Just two days after he was fined £10,000 (€14,900) and warned about his future behaviour the Gunners boss was sent to the stands by referee Steve Bennett for complaining about a free-kick during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Portsmouth.
On Monday the FA charged the Frenchman with improper conduct for his outburst towards match officials during first-half injury time of that match.
Having accepted his previous punishment – for clashing with then West Ham boss Alan Pardew during a defeat at Upton Park – Wenger is determined to defend himself this time around.
“After the (West Ham) game I said I was wrong and I regretted what I did and I accepted the punishment,” Wenger told Sky Sports News.
“What happened on Saturday was different. I didn’t lose my cool, I just said I just feel the reason the club has been punished was by decisions that are difficult to explain from officials.
“I just said what I felt about it to the referee. I arrived 10 years ago and believe me I have seen 10 times worse than what happened on Saturday.
“I was amazed I was banned from the touchline in the second half, because considering what I have seen in the corridors the last 10 years, it is difficult to explain.”
Wenger, speaking before he had learned of the new FA charge, added: “I will not accept any charge on that incident. I feel that strongly about it.
“I find it quite scandalous considering what I have seen in the corridors the last 10 years, it is difficult to explain and accept.
“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 happened.”
The Arsenal boss has until January 5 to respond to the charge.
Wigan midfielder Lee McCulloch was also charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after he was caught by television cameras apparently punching Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan in the face towards the end of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by the Blades at the JJB Stadium.
The FA have confirmed neither referee Peter Walton nor the other match officials saw the incident, which resulted in Morgan suffering cuts and a badly-swollen right eye.
Morgan has already made it clear he is happy to forget the matter after McCulloch offered an apology and handshake immediately after the game.
However, the FA are unlikely to be so lenient with McCulloch, who has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge, and who will face a disciplinary commission hearing on Thursday.
If found guilty the Scotland international will face a three-match suspension.
That would see him miss this Saturday’s home clash with Chelsea, the St Stephen's Day game at Manchester United and the match at Watford on December 30.
