‘He has FA in his POCKET’ Arsene Wenger and FA blasted over four-match ban ‘detention’

Adrian Durham vented his frustration in a furious rant and accused the Gunners boss of having the Football Association “in his pocket”.

The ban comes after Wenger accepted an FA misconduct charge for verbally abusing and pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor during a 2-1 win over Burnley last week.

But Durham, speaking on talkSPORT, remained displeased and blasted: “How is this not a stadium ban?

“Think this through. Arsene Wenger admitted this, which will have obviously have gone in his favour. In admitting it he said ‘when I was sent to the stands I didn’t know where to go’ – he didn’t know where to go? Here’s a little clue – the stands?

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Arsene Wenger confronting Anthony Taylor during the Burnley match

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They’ve basically given him a detention, that’s what they’ve done. And he won’t be bothered by it either in the slightest

Adrian Durham

“It’s an absolute joke – four-match touchline ban for a manager who shoved an official is an absolute joke.”

He then called the FA “utter clowns” for its decision to only ban him from the side of the pitch.

“Basically, Arsene Wenger has got the FA in his pocket,” he said. “The FA are complete and utter clowns for just giving him a touchline ban.

“They’ve basically given him a detention, that’s what they’ve done. And he won’t be bothered by it either in the slightest.”

Arsenal stars fool around in training ahead of Southampton FA Cup clash
Fri, January 27, 2017

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal squad looked in a relaxed mood as they trained ahead of their FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Southampton on Saturday (5.30pm)

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Arsenal were in a relaxed mood training ahead of their clash with Southampton

Durham went on to say it would negatively influence amateur footballers around the country.

“The FA has basically given permission to all parks footballers on Sundays with thuggish tendencies to shove officials whenever they want and think they can get away with it,” he said.

“One of the top managers in the country just got away with it, it’s pathetic, it’s ridiculous, it’s irresponsible from the Football Association to allow this to happen – they’re an absolute disgrace.”

Following the incident Wenger apologised for his behaviour.

He said: ”When I don't behave like I think I should behave, I am big enough to say I am not right. I'm a passionate guy and I believe that I am completely committed in my job and want to win football games."

Wenger will miss Saturday's FA Cup tie against Southampton and the Premier League matches against Watford, Chelsea and Hull.

He has also been fined £25,000.

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