Arsene Wenger is set for a lengthy touchline ban after being charged with misconduct after his tirade at Mike Dean in the referees’ changing room following the 1-1 draw at West Bromwich.
And the Arsenal boss did himself no favors with the FA when he continued his attack on Dean on Tuesday.
Dean has been heavily criticised for the decision to award West Brom a crucial last-minute penaltyas replays suggested there was no intent from Calum Chambers to handle.
Wenger and Dean were involved in a heated exchange on the touchline and the Arsenal manager continued his tirade after the final whistle when, it is understood, he alluded to a refereeing conspiracy against his team and questioned the official’s integrity.
The FA charge read:
‘It is alleged his language and/or behaviour in the match officials’ changing room after the game was abusive and/or improper and/or questioned the integrity of the match referee.’
Speaking on Tuesday, Wenger doubled down on his comments about Mike Dean and refereeing saying:
‘I must say what is more frustrating for me is that it happened many times this season — at Stoke, at Watford, at Man City, at West Brom. That is a concerning coincidence.’
When asked if Dean had offered an explanation for the penalty, Wenger replied:
‘No, he saw what he wanted to see and we have to deal with that.
‘He (Dean) did that movement (gestures by putting his arm up).
‘But if you look at Chambers he never made that movement.’
The Gunners boss was handed a four-match touchline ban last January after an altercation with fourth official Anthony Taylor in a home win over Burnley. These latest comments, in which he called Mike Dean’s integrity into question are sure to land him a six or eight match touchline ban.
