Wenger Avoids Charges for Ref Clash
The Football Association will not be pursuing charges against Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger for his confrontation with referee, Neil Swarbrick.
The incident occurred after Arsenal lost 2-1 to Watford on Saturday. The Gunners’ manager was furious that Swarbrick awarded a penalty to Watford, which swung the game in their favour.
The Gunners were leading the match until Hector Bellerin tangled with Watford’s Richarlison in the penalty area. In a move that media reports have called a dive, Richarlison writhed on the ground in pain, leading to Swarbrick awarding his team the penalty.
In a post-match interview, Wenger called the decision “scandalous”, and followed Swarbrick into his changing room. They reportedly exchanged harsh words that could be heard outside the room.
There is no official FA rule against managers entering a referee’s room. Swarbrick’s official report was used to determine whether the FA would open a disciplinary case against Wenger.
Swarbrick chose not to include the exchange in his official report, and so the FA view the matter as closed.
Richarlison will also not face charges for diving. The FA introduced new rules this season to punish simulation, but a panel unanimously decided there was no evidence of deliberate deceit.
