Source: Northern_Echo
Wenger charged over Stadium of Light outburst
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following his actions at the end of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland.[LNB] The Gunners boss was fuming after his side conceded a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time at the Stadium of Light, which denied them the chance to go top of the table.[LNB] Wenger appeared to sarcastically pat Martin Atkinson on the back as Darren Bent's goal came 15 seconds after the allotted four minutes, and was also critical in his post-match comments.[LNB] The Arsenal manager could accept the charge and a one-match touchline ban and £8,000 fine under the FA's new fast-track disciplinary procedures.[LNB] A statement on the FA website said: "Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been charged with using insulting and/or abusive language and behaviour amounting to improper conduct.[LNB] "The charges relate to Wenger's conduct towards match officials at the conclusion of Arsenal's match against Sunderland on September 18.[LNB] "Under the FA's new fast-track procedures, Wenger has until Thursday, September 23 to respond to the charge and he has been offered a standard sanction of a one-match touchline ban and an £8,000 fine should he accept the charge.[LNB] "If he denies the charge, the case will be heard by a Regulatory Commission."[LNB]
