Wenger, Jewell charged by FA

Arsenal manager Arsenal Wenger has been charged with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute by the Football Association following his comments after the Carling Cup final.

Wenger had been asked to explain his claim "the whole system is not honest", referring to the disciplinary procedures of the FA, in the wake of the mass brawl which marred the closing moments of the match in Cardiff last month.

The Arsenal manager also suggested the assistant whom referee Howard Webb consulted before sending off striker Emmanuel Adebayor was a "liar".

The FA today released a statement which read: "Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been charged with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute.

"The charge relates to his media comments about one of the assistant referees in the Carling Cup final. He has until March 30th to respond."

Arsenal lost Kolo Toure, Adebayor and Emmanuel Eboue to suspension following the melee, while the club were also charged with failing to control their players, and could be fined as a result.

Striker Adebayor was also handed an additional one-match ban by the FA for his reaction to being shown a red card at the Millennium Stadium.

This latest incident is also likely to result in a hefty financial penalty, with the outcome of the charge already on file possibly even resulting in a touchline ban.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell has been charged with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute.

The charge relates to comments Jewell made about referee Phil Dowd following Arsenal's 2-1 Barclays Premiership win over the Latics on February 11th.

The Wigan boss blamed Dowd for costing his side victory - and potentially £50million if they are relegated - in the Emirates Stadium clash.

The Premiership strugglers were leading 1-0 when Emile Heskey appeared to be brought down on the edge of the penalty area by Mathieu Flamini late in the second half.

Dowd ruled no foul had been committed and Arsenal equalised moments later from a Fitz Hall own goal before Tomas Rosicky snatched victory with five minutes to go.

He has until March 30th to respond to the charge.  PA