UEFA open Wenger proceedings

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Arsene Wenger for not following his touchline ban during Arsenal’s win over Udinese.

The Frenchman was seen making phone calls to his backroom staff and passing on messages and instructions to players during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Udinese in the UEFA Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday.

The governing body said on Friday that Wenger’s actions during the match were a violation of the terms of his ban, which he received last campaign for a fiery outburst at referee Massimo Busacca in the Champions League round of 16.

Busacca had sent off attacker Robin van Persie for kicking the ball away in their clash against Barcelona and Wenger confronted him after the final whistle.

Wenger said on Thursday UEFA had told him two different rulings.

“They told us first that, through my assistant, he can communicate,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“And after half-time, it was not like that.”

“It is a real concern because up to what level can you stop somebody doing his job? We tried to respect the rules and the rules are set by UEFA.”

“But, of course, it is very difficult to see where you can stop a person having an influence.”

“You cannot go to the dressing room – that’s how I understand it and I didn’t do it.”

The disciplinary case will be heard on Monday.