Arsene Wenger has been hit with a 12-match touchline ban and fined four weeks' wages by the English FA after an incident after Arsenal's defeat at Sunderland on August 19th.

The Frenchman, who has found himself among the leading candidates to succeed Kevin Keegan as England manager, is the first person to fall foul of the FA's new disciplinary guidelines.

He denied the charges relating to a tunnel bust-up with fourth official Paul Taylor at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal plan to appeal.

If the appeal fails, Wenger will have to be on his best behaviour when he returns. This could prove embarrassing for the FA if they decide to target the him as a permanent replacement for Keegan.

The Frenchman has indicated in the past that the England job didn't interest him but, if he is persuaded to change his mind, the country could find their new coach banned from the touchline.