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Wenger to face FA rap after pitchside fracas
Last updated at 09:22am on 06.11.06Arsene Wenger is likely to be hauled before the FA after a disgraceful touchline bust-up with Alan Pardew.
When the West Ham boss celebrated Marlon Harewood's late winner in front of the Arsenal bench, Wenger responded by repeatedly shoving Pardew in the chest and allegedly said: "f***ing disgrace".
• Late Harewood strike seals points for West Ham
On a day of drama in the capital, Chelsea also lost a London derby to leave Sir Alex Ferguson celebrating 20 years as Manchester United manager with a three-point lead at the top of the Premiership.
The angry Arsenal manager appeared ready to exchange blows with Pardew before they were separated by their staff and fourth official Andy D'Urso.
Pardew said: "It's a shame, but Arsene Wenger seemed to have a problem with the way I celebrated our goal.
"There was a lot of tension, it was a bit over-zealous, but it was nothing personal. I apologised if I have offended him. He was already angry about a couple of decisions, but I just celebrated our goal - don't begrudge me that."
It is the second time Wenger has had a touchline flare-up with a rival manager in the past year.
Last season, he confronted Tottenham manager Martin Jol at Highbury but this was far a more serious incident.
Wenger, furious that his side had missed the chance to break into the top three, believes Mathieu Flamini was fouled in the build-up to the Hammers' goal but his reaction to Pardew is iikely to result in a misconduct charge.
Players picked up on the bad atmosphere, too, and as they went off at the end, Arsenal goalkeper Jens Lehmann squirted water into Teddy Sheringham's face and mocked the West Ham striker by slapping him on the back several times. Then Hayden Mullins squirted water down Cesc Fabregas's back.
Referee Rob Styles is understood to have asked the FA to investigate the events, raising the possibility of both managers and several players being charged over their conduct.
The Hammers will also face an FA probe after Robin van Persie was felled by a coin thrown from the main stand. It followed a similar incident on Saturday when Fulham's Claus Jensen was hit during their home win over Everton.
Meanwhile, West Ham's board meet on Tuesday to discuss a takeover bid by Kia Joorabchian, but his £60million offer is still likely to fall short of Terry Brown's valuation.
Reader views (1)
What a fantastic win for the Hammers, Arsenal play some of the best football in the Premiership but they were more than matched yesterday by a determined Hammers team. Let's just hope that we are not docked points for the missile throwing incident - I hope true Hammers supporters identify the midless moron to the authorities and get him banned for the rest of the season.
- Paul, UK
