Why Arsene Wenger sending off at Old Trafford is just the latest example of his problems with authority

By Dan Silver in Mirror Football Blog

Published 20:27 29/08/09

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Arsene Wenger's Old Trafford dismissal was yet another example of his penchant for challenging authority, writes Brian McNally.

The Arsenal boss, despite his reserved off-the-field manner, has shown down the years that he can lose his rag with the best of them, especially when Manchester United are involved.

His clash  with the fourth official after Arsenal's disallowed last-gasp equaliser in the 2-1 defeat came after he kicked away a water bottle.

It saw him get his marching orders just days after he had blasted UEFA officials and the media after Eduardo was charged for his outrageous midweek dive in the Champions League qualifier at the Emirates.

"I did not know you are not allowed to do that," was Wenger's immediate defence to what seemed a fairly trivial offence on this occasion.

But this meek and mild-mannered graduate has a long history of conflict with officialdom.

Whether accusing referee Graham Poll of being "incompetent," defending his players against their mountain of red cards or dreaming up a "Scottish conspiracy" Wenger always seems to court controversy.

In 2000 he was charged by the FA for "alleged threatening behaviour and physical intimidation" to fourth official, Paul Taylor, after an opening day defeat at Sunderland when Patrick Vieira was sent off.

Wenger received a 12-match touchline ban and was fined four weeks' wages following the incident. Wenger decides to appeal against the sanctions. On appeal  appeal his touchline ban was overturned.

After a defeat by Manchester United in 2004 Wenger was found guilty of improper conduct after  comments about referee Mike Riley and United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

That clash involved a massive tunnel row with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after the game, the exchange sparking the infamous 'battle of the buffet' when pizza flew through the air.

Wenger also got his marching orders in Seville in 2007, when Arsenal lost 3-1 - their first defeat in 29 matches - in a Champions |League clash.

Like Old Trafford last night he couldn't find a suitable spot to watch the game and spectated from behind a billboard by the tunnel. He remonstrated there with the fourth official, Reinold Wiedemeijer, whose conduct he branded as "absolutely shocking".

And once again Wenger could find himself facing the FA beaks after yet another touchline tantrum.