The reason Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was banned for three matches and fined £40,000 by the Football Association has been revealed.
The Frenchman called referee Mike Dean “not honest” and “a disgrace” after the Arsenal’s 1-1 Premier League draw at West Brom on New Year’s Eve, the FA revealed on Tuesday.
Dean gave an 89th minute penalty for a Callum Chambers handball, which the Baggies scored to level scores.
Wenger entered the officials’ changing room and had a confrontation with referee Dean, according to a disciplinary panel’s report on the manager’s three-match touchline ban.
Written testimony from Dean, his assistant referees and the fourth official are contained in the report and give similar accounts of the row.
Dean said: “As we’ve entered the dressing room after the game Mr Wenger stood behind us in the doorway and told the West Brom steward to ‘let him in’.
“He was very aggressive leaning towards me, pointing aggressively at me saying: ‘You’re not honest’ on numerous occasions.
“I replied: ‘So you’re calling me a cheat.’ He replied: ‘I maintain what I say, you’re not honest.’
“He then said: ‘You’ve done this to us many times before, you’re supposed to be professional, you’re a disgrace.’ He was then ushered out of the room by the West Brom safety officer.”
An independent disciplinary panel gave Wenger a three-game touchline ban and £40,000 fine for the incident.
Wenger had admitted “his language and behaviour was abusive, improper and questioned the integrity” of Dean.
YOU’RE A DISGRACE! Why Wenger Got Three-Match Ban, £40k Fine
