Arsenal manager Wenger fined for improper conduct

LONDON, Apr 17 (Reuters) Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was fined 2,500 pounds by the FA today and warned about his future conduct at a disciplinary hearing.

Wenger had admitted a charge of improper conduct for his ''words and behaviour'' towards referee Steve Bennett and his linesmen at halftime during the Premier League match with Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium on December 16.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw after Arsenal had trailed 2-0 early in the second half. They conceded the first goal just before the interval when Bennett awarded the visitors a freekick which led to Noe Pamarot putting Pompey ahead.

Wenger said he believed the freekick should have been awarded to Arsenal, not Portsmouth, and was subsequently sent to the stands for the second half.

On December 14, Wenger was fined 10,000 pounds, severely censured and warned about his future conduct by the FA after a touchline bust-up with then-West Ham United manager Alan Pardew in a Premier League match at Upton Park the previous month.

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