Wenger faces UEFA hearing over touchline ban

Arsene Wenger faces a disciplinary hearing for allegedly breaching the terms of his touchline ban during the Gunners' 1-0 Champions League win over Udinese, UEFA confirmed on Friday. Wenger, who was banished to the stands for Tuesday's tie as a result of his spat with match officials during last season's Champions League clash with Barcelona, is accused of passing messages to the Arsenal dugout. "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger for not abiding by the decisions of the UEFA control and disciplinary body in relation to the one-match suspension he served during Tuesday's UEFA Champions League play-off game against Udinese," a UEFA statement said. During Tuesday's match, Wenger appeared to be relaying messages to the Arsenal bench via an assistant sitting next to him at the Emirates. Arsenal immediately confirmed they plan to contest Wenger's case on Monday. Wenger had earlier stated that he had sought clarification about the terms of his touchline ban and been told he could communicate to the bench via a third party.