Arsene Wenger faces the prospect of watching another of Arsenal's Champions League matches from the stands. UEFA announced on Monday a two-match touchline ban for Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard as punishment for behaviour that was if anything less serious than the Arsenal manager's when he confronted the fourth official during the 3-1 defeat by Sevilla. Wenger had to watch the Gunners' final Group H match against Steaua Bucharest from the stands and it now looks as though he will have to do the same for the first leg of their last 16 match.
Rijkaard was banned from the touchline for two Champions League games after his dismissal against Lyon on November 27, the same day as Wenger's offence. Rijkaard was dismissed from the coach's technical area for contesting the decision of the referee, his conduct towards the fourth official, and for stepping outside the technical area.
Wenger committed similar offences but could face an even stiffer punishment because he watched the final minutes of the Sevilla match from the tunnel instead of moving to the stand as he was asked. It is understood that Wenger has stated in his defence that there were reasons he was unable to move to the stands.