Arsene Wenger has been handed a four-game touchline ban, meaning he will still be able to travel with the team to Southampton, speak to them before the game and gee them up at halftime.

A statement on Arsenal.com said, “Arsène Wenger has been given a four-match touchline ban with immediate effect after he was charged for misconduct following our game against Burnley on Sunday, January 22.

“It was alleged that in or around the 92nd minute, he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official. It was 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.

“The Arsenal manager, who was also fined £25,000, admitted the charge and requested a personal hearing which took place before an Independent Regulatory Commission today.”

Many had speculated that the boss could have been given a stadium ban but Wenger asked for a personal hearing and seems to have put his case across well.

Previously, Alan Pardew was given a two-game touchline ban for pushing an assistant ref, but Wenger’s charge sheet came with three allegations, hence the increased punishment.