Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has stated that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger should be handed a severe punishment for his alleged shove on fourth official Anthony Taylor.
Arsenal claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday but Wenger was left incensed at the officials due to their award of a penalty to the away side in the 93rd minute of the clash, when the Gunners were leading 1-0.
Due to his vehement protestations, Wenger was sent to the stands but the Frenchman's anger became even worse and he uncharacteristically shoved fourth official Taylor.
Wenger immediately apologised for his actions following the game but ex-Premier League match official Hackett has now stated that the 67-year-old needs to be punished with at least a six-game touchline ban.
“For the sake of every official at every level of the game the FA must throw the book at Arsene Wenger after his disgraceful behaviour on Sunday," Hackett wrote in his column for The Telegraph.
“They need to send out a strong, clear message - officials are sacrosanct and if you lay hands on them you will pay a heavy price. A one or two match touchline ban just won't cut it on this occasion. A slap on the wrist would tell every Sunday morning player that it's OK to abuse or physically assault officials.
“What I would like to see as an absolute minimum is a six-game ban - but a far more severe punishment than simply being banished from the touchline. Instead, I would like to see Wenger barred from any contact with his team once inside the stadium.
“Uefa regularly impose this sanction and I feel it has far more impact than a manager simply being unable to stand in the technical area."