Referee chief to apologise to Arsenal’s Wenger

Referee chief Keith Hackett will issue an apology to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after he was sent to the stands at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Saturday.

The Frenchman kicked a water bottle in the dying moments of the match, which ended 2-1 to United, when a Robin van Persie goal was disallowed for off-side.

Fourth official Lee Probert then complained to referee Mike Dean who sent Wenger to the stands for the final 30 seconds of the contest.

Now, League Managers’ Association chief Richard Bevan has revealed an apology was on its way after the referees admitted to their blunder.

"Although correct in 'law', it was completely out of context in the game and it was followed by the nonsense over where Wenger should sit,” said Bevan.

"I've spoken to Keith Hackett and he fully recognises the situation was an error and an apology will follow to Wenger.

"Lee Probert totally failed to manage the situation."