Wenger fined and censured for dispute with Pardew

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger was yesterday fined £10,000, severely censured and warned about his future conduct by the Football Association after a disciplinary hearing relating to his clash with Alan Pardew.

Wenger had earlier admitted a charge of improper conduct for his aggressive and confrontational behaviour in an incident involving Pardew towards the end of the Hammers' 1-0 victory at Upton Park on 5 November.

The two managers clashed on the touchline after Pardew celebrated Marlon Harewood's 89th-minute winner in front of Wenger.

Pardew was also charged in relation to the same incident. He has denied the charge and will have a personal hearing with an FA disciplinary commission.

"I got fined severely. I'm not happy with it but I said I regret it and I was over-reacting, so I accept the fine," Wenger reflected.

Wenger refused to shake Pardew's hand at the end of the match, and left without speaking to the media.

Pardew, who was sacked as West Ham manager on Monday, issued his apology to Wenger after the victory. "I apologise if I offended Arsene. If I was over-zealous in my celebrations, which I'm sure I was, I apologise fully to Arsene and Arsenal," he said.

"It was nothing personal, I was celebrating the goal. I've got great respect for him and that won't change.

"Nothing was said. Maybe he was angry at a couple of decisions and it was a physical game. We wanted to upset Arsenal, we wanted to win.

"He is a top guy and I really respect him. I thought I was entitled to celebrate the goal after a pulsating game."

Meanwhile, Johan Djourou insists Arsenal are ready to hunt down Manchester United and Chelsea as they refuse give up on the Premiership title.

Wenger's side moved up to third on Wednesday night following a 1-0 victory over Wigan at the JJB Stadium where Emmanuel Adebayor scored an 88th-minute winner.

But approaching the halfway stage of the season, Arsenal still trail leaders United by a seemingly unbridgeable 15 points. Despite odds of 100-1 to take the crown, defender Djourou insists the race for the title is far from a two-horse affair.

"The Premiership isn't over. It doesn't end until May, so anything is possible," said Djourou.

"I know we're far behind now, with Chelsea and Manchester United above us, but we're going to try and win every game and try and catch them up.

"I know everybody is saying it will be hard, but the belief is there, and with this win we've got our league season back on track."

Djourou was preferred ahead of fellow Swiss international Philippe Senderos against Wigan, and has now made 20 appearances this season, proving he is up to the task despite his young age.

"When you are part of the first team you have to be ready to play well for the team," insisted Djourou. "Of course, as a young professional you want to play every game. I know I can't because I'm young and I've people ahead of me.

"But when I get my chance I know I have to give 100 per cent. Right now everything is going well. I work hard in training to ensure I win the position, and then it's up to the boss."