The Football Association have published the written reasons for Arsene Wenger’s touchline ban.
Wenger was suspended for three games after an incident involving referee Mike Dean following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion on 31 December.
In a dramatic end to 2017 Premier League football, the Baggies rescued a point when Calum Chambers was harshly penalised for a handball before Jay Rodriguez found the net from the resultant penalty.
Wenger criticised Dean in his post-match comments, both on television and during his press conference, but it was an unseen altercation with the official behind the scenes at the Hawthorns that ultimately convinced the FA to come down hard on the Frenchman.
The Arsenal manager had to watch his side’s games against Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Bournemouth from the stands and now we know what he said to earn his touchline ban.
Dean’s incident report, made public on Tuesday, reads: “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.”
The FA report reveals that Wenger did not request a personal hearing and admitted the charge for which he was fined £40,000.
The report continues: “However, Mr Wenger, as per his written statement, is an incredibly experienced football manager. He has occupied this position since 1996. This is his second Misconduct Charge within a twelve-month period.
“Whilst arguable, it is not accepted that there is ambiguity of interpretation in the language used based on English not being Mr Wenger’s first language. There is simply no justification for this behaviour.”
