MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 15:51:16| >> :120:11307:11307:

Unperturbed Arsene Wenger stands by refereeing remarks

Arsene Wenger stands by refereeing remarks
© Offside
Arsene Wenger admits to being "surprised and shocked" at the prospect of facing more Football Association disciplinary action after recent comments made about referees.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that he does not regret criticising Premier League officials after being asked to explain his comments by the Football Association.

The Frenchman hit out at the standard of refereeing in English football following the Gunners' 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion last week, having seen a late penalty call go against his side.

Three days later against Chelsea, another contentious spot-kick decision potentially cost Arsenal victory as Eden Hazard was adjudged to have been taken down inside the box, leading Wenger to suggest that there is a conspiracy against his side.

FA bosses have asked the 68-year-old to provide "observations" of events over the past week, and Wenger does not intend to backtrack on the comments made in the heat of the moment.

"Yes I have been asked and I maintain what I said in the press conference, 100%," he told reporters on Friday morning. "Basically, nothing has changed. I have been in England for 21 years and I try to serve this game with honesty, integrity and, when I have something to say, I say it.

"On that front, nothing will change ever. I respect everybody's opinion, but I think it was a yellow card for Hazard, 100%. I have a right to have my opinion and I respect everybody's opinion.

"I think I contributed a lot to give referees a great opportunity to be at their best, because I had a huge influence on the fact they became professional, and that is why I can be demanding as well. What I want from them is to be at the top and I am quite surprised that is shocking.

"All this fuss. You imagine, that I am 21 years in the game, and what I have seen, and heard, in the corridors from people, and you can understand that I am surprised and shocked by having been charged."

Should the FA again charge Wenger with making inappropriate comments, the long-serving Arsenal boss faces a first stadium ban during his time in English football.

ID:315548: cacheID:315548:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3266:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Theo Walcott in action for Arsenal in December 2017
Read Next:
Wenger: 'I want Theo Walcott to stay'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!