Wenger fined but escapes touchline ban for ref clash

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has escaped a touchline ban but fined £2,500 and warned about his future conduct after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

Wenger was charged by the FA “in relation to his words and behaviour towards match officials at half-time of Arsenal’s match against Portsmouth on 16 December 2006”.

Wenger originally denied the charge — which related to an altercation with ref Steve Bennett during the 2-2 draw with Pompey — and requested a personal hearing, but was not expected to attend ahead of last night’s match against Manchester City.