The Gunners boss was in an altercation with the fourth official in Sunday’s dramatic conclusion at the Emirates on Sunday.
Arsenal’s dramatic 2-1 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday kept alive their slim hopes of a first Premier League title since 2004.
As the Gunners scored a last-gasp Alex Sanchez penalty however, the fireworks were just simmering after an exchange on the touchline between Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and the fourth official Anthony Taylor.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez scores their second goal from the penalty spot
The official has been so stranger to controversy in North London, with many of the Gunners’ fan-base holding the referee responsible for an opening day loss to Aston Villa back in 2013.
With the hosts clinging on to a narrow 1-0 lead following Granit Xhaka’s second red card of the season, The Clarets were awarded a stoppage time penalty, following Francis Coquelin’s late challenge on Ashley Barnes.
Wenger was incensed, and was dismissed from the pitch, but on leaving the technical area, the Frenchman grabbed the arm of Taylor on two occasions in the tunnel – in view of TV cameras.
Arsene Wenger has apologised for his actions, but nevertheless could face further repercussions.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger clashes with fourth official Anthony Taylor before being sent to the stands
It is now up to the Football Association to decide what happens next. Under Law 12 in the FA Discplinary Procedures Guide (as outlined on the FA website), a player or official dismissed for foul and abusive language will be subject to an immediate two-match ban, but with the supposed contact the Arsenal boss made with Taylor, Gunners fans don’t know what to expect.
There is precedent from 2012, following Alan Pardew’s charge for an incident with a match official. The then Newcastle United boss was fined £20,000 and received a two-match ban for pushing assistant referee Peter Kirkup, as reported in The Guardian.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger clashes with fourth official Anthony Taylor before being sent to the stands
The FA have adopted a stance of zero-tolerance with regard to the protection of officials this season.
Any ruling would be arbitrary, but not to undermine the incident, Arsene Wenger will hope that the fact it occurred with a fourth official somewhat away from the pitch will save him from heavy sanctions.
It seems following Arsenal fans’ undulating tide of abuse for their boss, those wishing him to be gone may at least temporarily get their wish.
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