Wenger escapes touchline ban

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has escaped a touchline ban but has been fined £2,500 and warned about his future conduct after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

Wenger was charged by the Football Association "in relation to his words and behaviour towards the match officials at half-time of Arsenal's match against Portsmouth on 16 December 2006".

The Frenchman had originally denied the charge - which related to an altercation with referee Steve Bennett during the 2-2 draw with Pompey - and requested a personal hearing, but was not expected to attend.

Wenger was unhappy about the free-kick which led to Noe Pamarot's opener in first-half stoppage time at the Emirates Stadium and after complaining to the fourth official he continued his argument as he headed down the tunnel.

He was sent to the stands for the rest of the match by referee Bennett.

A date, meanwhile, has yet to be scheduled into a separate charge of improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute following his media comments about one of the assistant referees in the Carling Cup final on February 23.

Wenger was fined £10,000 and warned about his future conduct for a touchline bust-up with then West Ham manager Alan Pardew at the end of November.