Gunners challenging new ban for Wenger

Wenger was found guilty of failing to abide by UEFA rules surrounding his original ban – imposed after last season’s last-16 defeat to Barcelona when he had criticised the referee – after he passed messages to the coaching staff at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg, before being warned not to continue by match delegates at half-time.

Arsenal, though, maintain officials from Europe’s governing body had told them in the build-up to the game manager Wenger would be permitted to relay instructions to assistant manager Pat Rice through first-team coach Boro Primorac, who was in telephone contact with the Arsenal bench.

UEFA also fined Arsenal 10,000 euros (£8,743) for the improper conduct of their officials during the match.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal’s appeal will be processed in time for a decision ahead of tomorrow’s tie, which the Gunners lead just 1-0.

Because of the ban, Wenger decided against fulfilling his post-match media commitments, a pattern which he could well follow again at the Stadio Friuli should UEFA uphold their decision.

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home by Liverpool on Saturday, when they were without Alex Song and Gervinho, both serving suspensions in the fall-out from the ill-tempered goalless draw at Newcastle.

However, the duo will be available for the European tie, along with captain Robin van Persie, who was banned for the first leg after his red card in the Nou Camp.