Arsenal are reportedly hoping that the FA come to a fast decision over Arsene Wenger’s punishment so he doesn’t miss too many Premier League games.
Wenger has landed himself in hot water with the FA again due to his conduct during and after the 1-1 draw with West Brom. (And again before and after the Chelsea game.)
The referee on the day, Mike Dean, reported that Wenger had used abusive language against him after West Brom were awarded an imaginary penalty.
Wenger has since been charged by the FA and has until 6pm today to respond.
Speaking at his press conference on Friday morning, Wenger stood behind everything he said “100%” and while he admitted being “surprised and shocked” at being charged given what he says he has heard behind-the-scenes over the past 21 years, it would seem the club could be preparing themselves for the inevitable.
"I believe that first of all yes I've been asked I maintain what I said in the press conference 100% and I've nothing to change in that. Overall, basically nothing has changed" Wenger, who says Hazard should have been booked and stands by his claim penalty was farcical
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) January 5, 2018
Wenger says he's focused on football, "you imagine I am 21 years in the game and you can imagine what i've heard in the corridors from people, you can understand I am surprised and shocked at being charged"
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) January 5, 2018
Wenger admits that Wilshere might have dived as well but says "why should that change my opinion on the penalty?"
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) January 5, 2018
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are hoping Wenger receives his punishment this week so that he’ll miss the Nottingham Forest game on Sunday.
Should he be banned, missing the Forest game will result in him missing one less Premier League match.
A ban is surely coming Wenger’s way, although its severity remains to be the seen.
The Mail haven’t ruled out him receiving a stadium ban instead of a normal touchline ban, however this was also touted as a possibility after Wenger’s charge last January when he called Anthony Taylor a ‘cheat’.
Wenger could yet face another charge after his comment pre and post Chelsea.
The FA have asked Wenger to explain his comments about both referees during his pre-game and post-games press conferences.