Wenger considers legal action over ban

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may take legal action against the 12-match touchline ban imposed against him by Football Association for allegedly pushing a match official.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may take legal action against the 12-match touchline ban imposed against him by Football Association for allegedly pushing a match official.

"It's not only a harsh punishment, it's an injustice," he said.

"What can I do? Appeal, of course. Go to a legal court? Maybe. I just won't accept it."

On Tuesday, the FA suspended the Frenchman from the touchline and fined him four weeks' wages, around £100,000.

The punishment is the minimum under new disciplinary guidelines introduced this season. The suspension is set to begin October 30.

Wenger was accused of pushing fourth official Paul Taylor near the Arsenal lockerroom after game against Sunderland in August.

Wenger pleaded not guilty to charges of physical intimidation and threatening behaviour, saying the incident occurred as he was trying to prevent a confrontation between an Arsenal and Sunderland player.

The Football Association refused to reply to Wenger's threat, although they would launch a fierce defence of their right to punish any official working under their rules.

"There is a process of appeal which Arsene Wenger is perfectly within his rights to use," said FA spokesman Adrian Bevington.

"He has 14 days to respond to the punishment and we will deal any response or request for an appeal as and when we receive it."