Source: Daily_Mail
Arsene Wenger banned for Spurs clash after Arsenal boss accepts FA charge
Arsene Wenger will not be in the dugout when Arsenal take on Tottenham after accepting a charge of improper conduct and an £8,000 fine by the FA following his actions at the end of Saturday's match with Sunderland.The Frenchman will serve a one-match touchline ban during tonight's Carling Cup third-round clash at White Hart Lane. 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. Plenty to say: Wenger (right) has words with Atkinson at Sunderland Wenger appeared to sarcastically pat fourth official Martin Atkinson on the back as Bent's goal came some 15 seconds after the allotted four minutes which had been displayed, and was also critical in his post-match comments. A statement on the FA website read: 'Arsenal manager Arsene Wengerhas admitted a charge of using insulting and/or abusive language and behaviour amounting to improper conduct. 'Wenger has accepted the standard sanction of an £8,000 fine and a one-match touchline ban which will be served with immediate effect at Arsenal's League Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur this evening (Tuesday). 'The charge related to Wenger's conduct towards match officials at the conclusion of Arsenal's match against Sunderland on 18 September.' Wenger's main gripe was the Gunners boss could not see why any additional time should have been played. Speaking after the match - refereed by Phil Dowd, who sent off Arsenal midfielder Alex Song for two yellow cards - the Arsenal manager lamented: 'It was outside the four minutes. Late show: Bent rattles home Sunderland's leveller at the death'I know the referee can give more than four, it's a minimum of four minutes, but in the four minutes nothing happened to justify the extension of the time. But I cannot do anything about that.' Wenger added: 'If you have a watch, you can control. It's as simple as that.' Asked about a suggestion he had put his hands on Atkinson, Wenger replied: 'Take the pictures and look at it. I complain to nobody, especially not to you.' Last season, Wenger received an apology from referees' chief Keith Hackett over his dismissal during the Gunners' 2-1 loss to Manchester United during August 2009. Wenger was sent to the stands by referee Mike Dean in the dying moments at Old Trafford on the advice of fourth official Lee Probert after the Arsenal manager kicked a water bottle following a disallowed goal which would have been a last-minute equaliser. After his sending-off, Wenger was unaware of where to go and firstly moved to the Arsenal dugout, then the main stand before being ushered along the touchline to the tunnel. Wenger hit by FA charge after his rant at fourth official against SunderlandWe're bigger than Arsenal! Van der Vaart stokes up rivalry ahead of clashWenger set to face FA rap after pushing match official at SunderlandWenger's in the money as Arsenal reveal £50million transfer kitty Sunderland 1 Arsenal 1: Wenger's ref rage as Bent strikes with last push ARSENAL FC