Wenger hit with three-match touchline ban over ‘abusive behaviour’

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been given a three-game touchline ban after he was charged with misconduct by the English FA.

Wenger was also fined £40,000 for the bust-up with referee Mike Dean.

He angrily confronted Dean in the referees’ changing room after a controversial late penalty cost his side two points.

The Frenchman will miss Sunday’s FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest, the first leg of the Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea and the Premier League trip to Bournemouth on January 14.

“Arsene Wenger will serve a touchline ban for Arsenal’s next three matches after he was charged with misconduct,” an FA statement read.

“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 Brom game on Sunday was abusive, improper and questioned the integrity of the match referee.

“He was also fined £40,000.”

During a press conference prior to the FA’s announcement, the Arsenal coach had cast doubt over his attendance at George Weah’s inauguration as Liberia’s president.

Wenger, who coached Weah during their time together in Monaco, described the Ballon d’Or winner’s career as a “film”.

He said: “The life of this guy is a real film. It is unbelievable. It can make a fantastic film,” said an excited Wenger.

“I remember when I saw him the first time at Monaco, coming in a bit lost, not knowing anybody, not being rated by anybody as a player and becoming the best player in the world in 1995 and today becoming the president of his country.

“I went with George during the period when there was war in Liberia and I have seen how much he suffered for his country.

“That was the thing which was continuous in his country, the love for his country and for his people.

“Today when I look back I see him crying when war was on in Liberia so it’s a happy story. I wish he has a happy presidency and I would like to say this guy is an example for everybody who plays football today.”

Weah won a presidential run-off poll in December, beating Joseph Boakai.