Arsene Wenger branded referee Mike Dean 'dishonest' and a 'disgrace' in heated row after West Brom match

Arsene Wenger argues with referee Mike Dean
Arsene Wenger argues with referee Mike Dean Credit: ACTION IMAGES

Arsene Wenger accused referee Mike Dean of dishonesty and branded him “a disgrace” after Arsenal’s controversial draw at West Bromwich Albion, the Football Association has revealed.

Wenger confronted Dean after West Brom were awarded a late penalty at the Hawthorns during the sides’ Premier League match on New Year’s Eve, with Jay Rodriguez converting the spot-kick to secure the Midland side a 1-1 draw.

The Arsenal manager launched a withering attack on Dean after the game, with the penalty awarded after a contentious handball by Calum Chambers, in which he bemoaned the standard of refereeing.

He said: “Many years ago [former Arsenal vice-chairman] David Dein and myself fought hard for referees to become professional and they do a good job, but don’t work enough. I believe we fought hard to win the game, but didn’t because of a bad decision.”

Wenger was handed a three-match touchline ban and fined £40,000 by the FA and in the written reasons for that decision, published last night, they reveal the extent of his anger with Dean as the pair clashed in the referee’s room after the final whistle.

This included:

  • Wenger jabbing his finger at Dean as he accused him of “not being honest”.
  • The manager calling Dean “a disgrace” and suggesting he was guilty of habitually giving poor decisions against Arsenal.
  • Wenger having to be ushered away by a West Brom steward.

Wenger’s questioning of Dean’s integrity, and his use of abusive and inappropriate language, ensured that he was handed a touchline ban rather than being given a fine, although he avoided a stadium ban.

In his incident report, Dean wrote: “As we’ve entered the dressing room after the game Mr Wenger stood behind us in the doorway and told the West Brom steward to ‘let him in’. He was very aggressive leaning towards me, pointing aggressively at me saying, ‘You’re not honest’ on numerous occasions. I replied, ‘So you’re calling me a cheat’. He replied, ‘I maintain what I say, you’re not honest’.

“He then said, ‘You’ve done this to us many times before, you’re supposed to be professional, you’re a disgrace’. He was then ushered out of the room by the West Brom safety officer.”

Arsene Wenger furious with Mike Dean
Arsene Wenger was furious with Mike Dean Credit: ACTION IMAGES

Dean’s version of events was corroborated by his two assistant referees: Simon Long – who called Wenger’s behaviour “aggressive” and said he had spoken to Dean in a “raised voice” – and Ian Hussin, as well as the fourth official, Christopher Kavanagh, who were all present in the room. Wenger was absent from the touchline for Arsenal’s games against Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Bournemouth, none of which his side won.

An independent panel, chaired by Gareth Farrelly, unanimously agreed on a three-match ban, after initially considering a four-match suspension. The commission stated: “There is no justification for this behaviour.” The panel considered a full stadium ban but “agreed it was not warranted in this case”.

Wenger was also warned about his comments before and after the Chelsea game on January 3. He had described disputed refereeing decisions as “concerning coincidences”.

It is the second time in 12 months that Wenger has been punished with a touchline ban. Last January, he was suspended for four matches and fined £25,000 for his behaviour in a victory over Burnley. That time, Wenger was charged with verbally abusing and pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor after being sent off.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Gaetan Bong, the Brighton defender, was interviewed by FA officials on Tuesday as the inquiry into the row with Jay Rodriguez gets under way. Bong has alleged he was racially abused by the West Bromwich forward during the game at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

Rodriguez, who denies the allegations, will meet FA officials in London next week.

License this content