Wenger handed UEFA ban

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been handed a three-match ban by UEFA for his conduct in his side’s 3-0 Champions League win over AC Milan.

Wenger’s punishment comes for improper conduct relating to comments he made after the victory, which saw his side eliminated from the competiton after failing to overhaul a 4-0 deficit from the first leg.

The Frenchman criticised referee Damir Skomina in his post-match comments, claiming too many free kicks were awarded to the Serie A champions, and also confronted the Slovenian official on the pitch after full-time.

Wenger was also fined 40,000 euros for his conduct.

A statement on UEFA’s website read: “Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger has been suspended from carrying out his function for three UEFA competition matches by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body.

“Wenger has also been fined 40,000 euros (37,000 pounds). He was facing a charge of improper conduct in relation to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg against AC Milan in London on 6 March.

“The suspension applies to the next three UEFA club competition matches for which Wenger will be eligible.

“An appeal may be lodged against the verdict within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision.”

The decision marks Wenger’s third UEFA touchline suspension within a year.