By Andrew Warshaw
August 22 – The crisis surrounding Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger went from bad to worse today when the Frenchman was handed a two-match ban from UEFA for breaching the terms of a previous Champions League suspension.
UEFA ruled Wenger had passed messages to the dugout during his side’s Champions League play-off first leg against Udinese last week and also fined the club €10,000 (£8,700/$14,300) for the improper conduct of their officials during the match.
A statement from UEFA read: “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 Champions League play-off game against Udinese last Tuesday, August 16.
“Wenger is therefore suspended for Arsenal’s second-leg match against Udinese in Italy on Wednesday (August 24) 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.”
UEFA’s statement continued: “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.”
Wenger had claimed UEFA had told him he was permitted to relay instructions to assistant manager Pat Rice through first-team coach Boro Primorac, who was in telephone contact with the Arsenal bench.
But European football’s governing body denied giving Wenger the green light and studied the report from their match officials before deciding to issue a further ban instead of a fine as had been widely expected.
Wenger had admitted his “surprise” at UEFA’s decision to open proceedings against him and it is understood that the club intend to appeal against both sanctions, though the time scale is awkward given that the ban takes effect on Wednesday in Italy when the London club defend a 1-0 lead.
Wenger cut a forlorn figure on Saturday after his side’s home defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League, keen to exit the usual post-match press conference after the most pressurised start in his 15 years at Arsenal.
Now he is set to sit out Wednesday’s second leg tie against Udinese, a game that could arguably define Arsenal’s season already, with the group stage draw due to take place in Monaco on Friday.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734791871labto1734791871ofdlr1734791871owedi1734791871sni@w1734791871ahsra1734791871w.wer1734791871dna1734791871
Related stories
August 2011: Arsenal boss Wenger admits complete surprise at opening of disciplinary proceedings