UEFA launches proceedings against Wenger

Aug 20, 2011 |

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Arsene Wenger faces a disciplinary hearing for allegedly breaching the terms of his touchline ban during the Gunners' 1-0 Champions League win over Udinese, UEFA confirmed on Friday.

Wenger, who was banished to the stands for Tuesday's tie as a result of his spat with match officials during last season's Champions League clash with Barcelona, is accused of passing messages to the Arsenal dugout.

"Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger for not abiding by the decisions of the UEFA control and disciplinary body in relation to the one-match suspension he served during Tuesday's UEFA Champions League play-off game against Udinese," a UEFA statement said.

During Tuesday's match, Wenger appeared to be relaying messages to the Arsenal bench via an assistant sitting next to him at the Emirates.

Arsenal immediately confirmed they plan to contest the charges, while Wenger admitted he was baffled by UEFA's decision to open a hearing.

"I am completely surprised, but we are completely open to any enquiry from UEFA. We have nothing to hide and I don't think we have done anything wrong," he said on Friday.

"It is a little bit (frustrating). Frankly, you never know what a manager's ban is.

"I did not communicate with the bench. I watched the game from the directors' box and that was quite enjoyable - if they want to make an enquiry, we have nothing against that.

"They gave us the rules and we observed, strictly, what they told us."

Depleted Arsenal face Liverpool test

Arsenal may have not lost at home to Liverpool since the turn of the Millennium but the Gunners are already looking unusually vulnerable just two games into the new season.

The departure of Cesc Fabregas and the impending sale of Samir Nasri has left manager Arsene Wenger short of two of the top performers from last term ahead of Saturday's lunchtime kick off at the Emirates Stadium.

And injury and suspension will also rob him of a number of others, with midfielder Alex Song and summer signing Gervinho both banned following clashes with Joey Barton in the 0-0 draw at Newcastle last week.

With Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Johan Djourou, Tomas Rosicky, Armand Traore and Abou Diaby either out, injured or doubtful, many observers believe Wenger is facing the biggest test since he arrived at the club in 1996.

The only bright spot is that Arsenal at least have yet to taste defeat this season and on Tuesday defeated Serie A side Udinese 1-0 at home in the first leg of a Champions League qualifier.

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