According to referee Mike Dean’s report, Arsene Wenger labelled him a ‘disgrace’, and said he was ‘not honest’.
Wenger was upset with Mike Dean after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with West Brom at the end of December. His words landed him a touchline ban and fine from the FA. While we could all imagine what he said, details of his confrontation with Dean after the game have emerged.
According to Dean’s Extraordinary Incident Report, Wenger was very aggressive and called him a disgrace.
"You're not honest … you're a disgrace" What Arsene Wenger said to referee Mike Dean to get his touchline ban pic.twitter.com/LvGJL3ncvw
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) January 16, 2018
“As we entered the dressing room after the game, Mr. Wenger stood behind us in the doorway and told the West Brom steward to ‘let him in’,” Dean wrote.
“He was very aggressive leaning towards me, pointing aggressively at my saying ‘you’re not honest’ on numerous occasions. I replied ‘so you’re call me a cheat’. He replied ‘I maintain what I say, you’re not honest’.
“He then said ‘you’ve done this to us many times before, you’re supposed to be professional, you’re a disgrace’. He was then ushered out of the room by the West Brom safety officer.”
Dean’s account has been supported by Christopher Kavanagh, who was the fourth official for the game. He details the same confrontation in his own report.
Arsene Wenger shouted at referee Mike Dean: "You are supposed to be a professional referee, you are a disgrace"
FA releases written reasons for Wenger's touchline ban https://t.co/6nJMpoCJZB pic.twitter.com/HjS3G3j6m2— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) January 16, 2018
Wenger’s anger stemmed from Dean’s decision to award West Brom a late penalty. Calum Chambers was adjudged to have handled the ball after Kieran Gibbs’ cross struck his arm.
However, as Chambers was just a couple of yards away from Gibbs, there was no way the handball was intentional. Dean thought otherwise, and handed West Brom the chance to level the game.
Later on, Dean would admit to his fellow professionals that he got the decision wrong. His admission was scant consolation for Wenger or for Arsenal.
Wenger has now served his three game ban and will return to the touchline on Saturday for Arsenal’s game against Crystal Palace.