Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been handed a three-match touchline ban and fined £40,000 by the Football Association for his misconduct towards referee Mike Dean. The ban will see him miss Sunday's FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest, Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea, and next weekend's Premier League match against Bournemouth.
The punishment stems from Wenger's furious reaction after Dean awarded West Brom a controversial last-minute penalty in Arsenal's 1-1 draw on December 31. Wenger confronted Dean on the pitch and later followed him into the referees' dressing room, where he launched a foul-mouthed tirade, breaching the required 30-minute 'cool down' period.
The FA fast-tracked the charge at Arsenal's request, allowing the ban to start immediately. Wenger had until 6pm on Friday to respond but accepted the sanction, which is lighter than his four-match ban last January for pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor. The FA deemed this offence less serious.
Wenger also faces further scrutiny for comments about refereeing decisions before and after Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea. He has until January 9 to respond, but is expected to receive only a fine. Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed David Ospina will start in goal for both the Forest and Chelsea matches.
