Wenger denies FA charge
12 Jan 2007 - 11:35:02
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied an FA charge of improper conduct relating to his sending-off at half-time of the 2-2 home draw against Portsmouth.
Wenger was ordered from the dug-out at the Emirates Stadium by referee Steve Bennett with his side trailing 2-0 at the interval, before watching on as the Gunners roared back to earn a share of the spoils.
Wenger said after the draw with Pompey: "I was sent off because I complained about a foul on Gael Clichy which was not given, but I didn't use any bad language.
"I complained in the tunnel at half-time to the referee and he sent me off.
"I do not remember being sent off before, but I went and sat in the stands where the assistant referee told me to go in the second half.
"I will not accept any charge on that incident. I feel that strongly about it.
"I find it quite scandalous considering what I have seen in the corridors the last ten years, it is difficult to explain and accept.
"I think I am big enough to say when I am wrong and big enough to accept it, but on this particular incident I don't accept what happened."