Wenger pays the penalty for ref rant

Arsene Wenger has been handed a three-match touchline ban and a £40,000 fine following a misconduct charge from the FA over comments he made about the refereeing of the game against West Brom.

In a separate case, Wenger has also been asked by the governing body to provide his observations on what he said about penalty decisions which went against the Gunners in both their matches over the festive period.

An FA statement last night read: “Arsene Wenger will serve a touchline ban for Arsenal’s next three matches after he was charged with misconduct.