LONDON - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was charged with improper conduct by the FA today just four days after being fined 10,000 pounds ($28,000) and severely censured by English football's governing body.
Wenger has been charged with improper conduct for his words and behaviour towards referee Steve Bennett
and his linesmen at halftime during Arsenal's Premier League match against Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw after Arsenal had trailed 2-0 early in the second half. Arsenal conceded the first goal just before the interval when Bennett awarded the visitors a free-kick which led to Noe Pamarot putting Pompey ahead.
Wenger said he believed the free-kick should have been awarded to Arsenal, not Portsmouth, and was subsequently sent to the stands for the second half. The Frenchman has until January 5 to respond to the charge.
Spirited defence
Wenger defended his actions in an interview today four days after he was fined 10,000 pounds, severely censured and warned about his future conduct after a touchline bust-up with then-West Ham manager Alan Pardew last month.
Wenger told Sky Sports News: "The West Ham game was a special game and after the game I said I was wrong and I regretted what I did and I accepted the punishment.
"What happened on Sunday was different. I didn't lose my cool. I said what I felt to the referee. I arrived (at Arsenal) 10 years ago and believe me I have seen 10 times worse than what happened on Sunday.
"I was amazed I was banned from the touchline in the second half because considering what I have seen in the corridors in the last 10 years, it is difficult to explain.
"I will not accept any charge on that incident, I feel that strongly about it.
"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."
Although Arsenal fell further behind against Portsmouth to a Matthew Taylor goal after 47 minutes, they fought back to draw 2-2 with goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva and preserved their unbeaten record at their new home.
- REUTERS
