Wenger to accept FA misconduct charge

Arsene Wegner will accept a Football Association (FA) charge of misconduct following an altercation with the fourth official in the tunnel during Arsenal’s match with Burnley on Sunday.

Wenger was sent to the stands in stoppage time of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory at Emirates Stadium after complaining to referee Jon Moss about the awarding of a 93rd-minute penalty to Burnley, which Andre Gray converted to equalise.

After moving to stand in the tunnel amid a heated exchange with fourth official Anthony Taylor, Wenger appeared to push Taylor as he attempted to usher him away.

Alexis Sanchez scored a 98th-minute spot-kick to secure all three points, and despite facing disciplinary action from the FA, Wenger confirmed he will not contest the charge but plans to request a personal hearing.

“I’ve been in England for 20 years and I’ve seen a lot on the bench as you know. I think if I’m still in the job after 34 years it’s because I’m big enough to stand up and to know when I do well and when I do not do well,” Wenger said ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup meeting with Southampton.

“I’m a passionate guy and I believe that I’m completely committed in my job and want to win football games and I’m completely passionate like all Premier League managers. I was quite calm in this game for 90 minutes.

“I’ve said what I think I have to say publicly and the rest will be a bit more discreet.”

Wenger hopes to avoid a touchline ban and believes greater clarification is required as to areas that are out of bounds to managers who get sent from the dugouts.

“I prefer to be there, physically with the team. The team is used to me being there as well. If you ask me personally I would prefer to be on the bench,” said the Frenchman.

“I don’t know if I will be punished or how I will be if I am. The only thing I can say is that when I was sent off I was surprised and I was in the tunnel because I thought I had the right to be.

“I think [the guidelines need to be clarified], because you don’t know where to go.”