UK Edition
Arsene Wenger insists he serves game with 'honesty and integrity' despite facing stadium ban for referee rant
Arsene Wenger says he serves the game with "honesty and integrity" and refused to back down despite facing up to the prospect of a stadium ban.
Wenger, who has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association, has been asked to respond to his controversial comments after Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
It came just days after he was charged for a dressing-room rant at referee Mike Dean following Sunday's draw at West Brom, where Calum Chambers was harshly penalised for hand ball.
The Arsenal manager could miss his first game in charge, after 1,207 matches, in Sunday's FA Cup third-round trip to Nottingham Forest.
He faces further punishment after being ordered to explain his suggestions this week that a series of controversial decisions against his team were more than a coincidence.
Wenger stands by his comments and vowed to contest the charge. He has until 6pm on Friday night to respond.
"From what I've heard and seen in tunnels and dressing rooms down the years, I'm surprised and shocked to be charged," said Wenger. "I maintain what I said in the press conference, 100 per cent. I have nothing to change in that. Nothing has changed. I’ve been in England for 21 years and I’ve tried to serve this game with honesty, integrity and when I have something to say, I say it. On that front, nothing will change. Never.
"I think I’ve contributed a lot to give referees a great opportunity to be at their best because I’ve had a huge influence on whether they became professional or not.
"I believe I’ve had more influence on that and a positive one too. That’s why I can also be demanding and what I want from them is to be at the top. I’m quite surprised that that is shocking."
Wenger also remains adamant Eden Hazard deceived the officials, falling under minimal contact from Hector Bellerin, to win a penalty for Chelsea. He later branded the decision as 'farcical'.
"I respect everyone's opinion," he added. "I feel it was a yellow card for Hazard. I have the right to have an opinion."