Manager Wenger charged by FA again

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LONDON, England -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been charged with improper conduct by the FA, just four days after being fined £10,000 ($19,660) and severely censured by English football's governing body.

Wenger has been charged with improper conduct for his words and behavior towards referee Steve Bennett and his linesmen at half-time during Arsenal's Premier League match against Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw after Arsenal had trailed 2-0 early in the second half. Arsenal conceded the first goal just before the interval when Bennett awarded the visitors a free-kick which led to Noe Pamarot putting Pompey ahead.

Wenger said he believed the free-kick should have been awarded to Arsenal, not Portsmouth, and was subsequently sent to the stands for the second half. The Frenchman has until January 5 to respond to the charge.

Wenger defended his actions in an interview on Monday, four days after he was severely censured and warned about his future conduct after a touchline bust-up with then-West Ham manager Alan Pardew last month.

Wenger said: "The West Ham game was a special game and after the game I said I was wrong and I regretted what I did and I accepted the punishment.

"What happened on Saturday was different. I didn't lose my cool. I said what I felt to the referee. I arrived (at Arsenal) 10 years ago and believe me I have seen 10 times worse than what happened on Saturday.

"I was amazed I was banned from the touchline in the second half because considering what I have seen in the corridors in the last 10 years, it is difficult to explain. I will not accept any charge on that incident, I feel that strongly about it.

"I think I am big enough to say when I am wrong and big enough to accept it, but on this particular incident I don't accept what happened."

Although Arsenal fell further behind against Portsmouth to a Matthew Taylor goal after 47 minutes, they fought back to draw 2-2 with goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva and preserved their unbeaten record at their new home.

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