Song banned while Wenger sweats as Uefa mull charge
EMBATTLED Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to discover today whether he is to be charged with breaching the terms of his touchline ban during Tuesday’s win over Udinese.
Wenger, who watched the Champions League play-off from the directors’ box, landed in hot water for passing orders to coach Boro Primorac, who phoned them through to the bench, where assistant Pat Rice was in charge.
Uefa delegates told Wenger to stop at half-time – an order that perplexed Arsenal, who believed they had been cleared to operate the system following a meeting with the European governing body on Monday.
A decision rests on whether the referee or delegates accuse Wenger of breaking rules in their reports, which arrive today.
Even if he is given the benefit of the doubt, he is still likely to incur a fine for failing to speak to the media after the 1-0 first-leg win.
Midfielder Alex Song has received a three-match ban for violent conduct from the Football Association, meaning he joins Gervinho in missing games with Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea.
Forward Samir Nasri is expected to finally complete his move to Manchester City today or tomorrow. City are understood to be paying £25m for the France star, who stood to leave for nothing next summer.