Wenger faces Uefa action over Milan referee jibes
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger is facing the possibility of Uefa sanction for the third time in a year after he confronted referee Damir Skomina following his side’s 3-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Gunners boss, who was banned from the touchline for the first three matches of this season’s competition, also made comments about the referee’s performance in his post match press conference.
The European governing body confirmed “a disciplinary case has been opened for improper conduct” but have not revealed whether a potential charge would relate to the tunnel confrontation or his accusation that Skomina awarded too many free-kicks – 21 in total – against his side.
Despite the rousing nature of their performance against the Serie A leaders Arsenal exited the Champions League stage at the last 16 stage 4-3 on aggregate and are destined to finish trophyless for a seventh consecutive season.
Arsenal must now attempt to ensure qualification for next season’s premier European competition by securing fourth place in the Premier League and defender Thomas Vermaelen believes recent displays against Spurs, Liverpool and Tuesday’s win over Milan prove his side are headed in the right direction.
“If we can play like (we did on Tuesday night), there is no way that we will not be in the top four,” the Belgian said. “That performance will give us a boost now.
“It’s really important that we qualify for the Champions League. I think Arsenal are a team that belongs in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, reports in Germany last night claimed Arsenal have agreed a fee with Cologne for striker Lukas Podolski who looks set to join the north London club following the European Championships.