FA charges Wenger over alleged conduct towards match official

Embattled Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was charged by the Football Association for allegedly abusive behaviour towards match referee Mike Dean after Sunday's 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Wenger repeatedly criticised Dean's controversial decision to award West Brom a late penalty after the ball struck Calum Chambers' arm in tight quarters.

The 68-year-old has until 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. ET) on Friday to respond to the charge.

Wenger remonstrated with Dean and the fourth official in the immediate aftermath of the call, adding in a post-match interview that it was "difficult to accept." The Frenchman also appeared to question the integrity of Premier League referees, having advocated for them to attain professional status in 2001.

"It was very disappointing in the way it happened. I must say what is more frustrating for me is that it happened many times this season - at Stoke, at Watford, at Manchester City, at West Brom," Wenger said. "That is a concerning coincidence to me."

The decision to penalise Chambers in the 89th minute left pundits and supporters scratching their heads. The defender made contact with the ball as ex-Gunners man Kieran Gibbs lifted it in his direction, but Chambers appeared to have little time to react.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech - who has seldom lashed out at officials - was yellow-carded after the final whistle for complaining to Dean.

West Brom manager Alan Pardew, meanwhile, said he would've been "very upset" had the penalty been given against his team.