Wenger to sit in East Stand when Arsenal visit Chelsea

Joe Williams

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expected to sit in a designated location in Stamford Bridge’s East Stand during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Chelsea as a result of his touchline ban.

The usual location for a manager banished from the technical area would be the directors’ box, which at Stamford Bridge is in the West Stand.

But Press Association Sport understands Wenger will sit in the East Stand to allow him the permitted access to his players, before, at half-time and after Saturday’s match.

Wenger was last Friday given a four-match touchline ban for pushing fourth official Anthony Taylor and using abusive language towards officials in Arsenal’s win over Burnley last month.

The Frenchman has served two matches of his ban so far.

The Football Association has twice written to clubs this season to ensure they have identified where a manager should go when dismissed from the touchline.

If the directors’ box is not deemed acceptable, then an alternative area must be designated and communicated to the FA. It must be considered credible and safe.

It is likely the same location will be offered to Wenger.

Wenger will not be expected to sit next to Chelsea supporters.

The proximity of some spectator seating to the dugout and touchline means those locations will be deemed inappropriate.

Regulations have been tightened since Jose Mourinho was sent off in October 2013 during a game between Chelsea and Cardiff.

The then Chelsea manager climbed over the seats immediately behind the dugout and sat next to a star-struck supporter.