ARSENE WENGER COULD MISS CHELSEA CLASH.

Arsene Wenger could be hit with a lengthy stadium ban - and likely miss Arsenal’s title showdown with Chelsea.

Football Association chiefs are determined to take a tough stand against Wenger because he pushed fourth official Anthony Taylor and they want to send a clear message.

Arsenal boss Wenger is likely to get a big punishment because he “made physical contact” with an official and they can impose a full stadium ban rather than a touchline suspension.

It could be three games or more which would rule Wenger out of Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Southampton, the home clash with Watford and then the crunch trip to front runners, Chelsea on February 4.

The FA’s misconduct charge comes after effectively two offences during Arsenal’s dramatic win over Burnley at the Emirates on Sunday.

Wenger was sent to the stands after swearing and launching a tirade at referee Jon Moss, then stayed in the tunnel area for the end of the game before pushing Taylor.

Arsenal have specifically denied claims that Wenger used the word “cheat” towards Moss who awarded two injury time penalties and sent off Granit Xhaka.

But Wenger is understood to have launched an attack on Moss, questioned his ability and he was furious at some of the decisions even though he admitted the red card was deserved.


There have been other cases this season as Stoke boss Mark Hughes got an £8,000 fine for a bust-up with Moss when he was a fourth official and Jose Mourinho got a one game touchline ban after a row with referee Mark Clattenburg.

But the reason why Wenger’s punishment could be much more severe is because he laid hands on Taylor and that is a step too far for the FA.

The FA statement read: “It is alleged that in or around the 92nd minute, he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official.

“It is further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct.”

Wenger has until 6pm on Thursday to respond but is unlikely to challenge the charge as he has already apologised for his actions.

However, if Wenger admits the charge sooner then the case could be dealt with by a tribunal quickly and the FA Cup tie would count as a game but if he waits then the punishment may not be delivered until next week.