With Arsenal already trailing league leaders Chelsea by eight points, the worst they could wish for was being without their manager for a few games. This will now become a reality, as Wenger has been slapped with a four-match touchline ban by the FA.
The French boss received this punishment for pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor during their dramatic 2-1 win over Burnley last weekend. Le Prof lost his cool after the away side were awarded a stoppage time penalty and was thus sent to the stands.
As Taylor attempted to usher Wenger, who was standing in the tunnel, the long-serving boss pushed the official. Arsene also used abusive language in his altercation with the official.
The ban will come into effect on Saturday, with the Arsenal boss set to miss their tricky FA Cup clash with Southampton. It will be interesting to see, as it was the Saints who eliminated the Gunners from the League Cup.
Arsenal will then host Watford, but the most crucial game during Wenger’s touchline ban will be their clash with Chelsea on February 4. The north London giants will travel to Stamford Bridge with the hopes of narrowing the Blues lead, but the Gunners will have to accomplish that without their manager.
The last game of Wenger’s touchline ban will be against Hull City. The Emirates Stadium will be the venue, with the game set to be played on February 11.
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