Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been handed a ridiculous new two-match ban by Uefa. UEFA says that Wenger broke their rules during the Udinese game last week he communicated with the Arsenal bench via first-team coach Boro Primorac.
Arsenal have also been fined 10,000 euros (£8,742) for the improper conduct of their officials during the match.
A statement from Uefa said:
“Arsenal FC manager Arsène Wenger has received a two-match ban from the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body which will take effect for Wednesday’s play-off game at Udinese Calcio.
“The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has suspended manager Arsène Wenger from carrying out his duties at Arsenal FC’s next two UEFA competition matches.
“Today’s decision was taken in relation to the Arsenal manager not abiding by the decision of the Control and Disciplinary Body during the English club’s UEFA Champions League play-off game against Udinese Calcio last Tuesday, 16 August. Wenger is therefore suspended for Arsenal’s second-leg match against Udinese in Italy on Wednesday and then the next UEFA competition fixture for which he would be eligible.
“The Control and Disciplinary Body has also decided to fine Arsenal €10,000 for improper conduct by its officials. An appeal may be lodged against these decisions within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision.
“Wenger was serving a one-match suspension, handed down after Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League game at FC Barcelona last season, in the Udinese home match. The UEFA Disciplinary Regulations stipulate that a manager may not communicate with his team during a fixture for which he is suspended and may follow the game from the stands only.”
Arsenal plans to appeal the suspension which is supposed to take start this week against Udinese. Since Arsenal are appealing the suspension, I would assume that Wenger will be on the touchline on Wednesday as I don’t expect his appeal hearing to be heard in the next 48 hours.
photo credit: Matt and Kim Rudge
