Wenger is set for a lengthy ban and is facing a second FA charge as the fall-out over Mike Dean’s controversial penalty decision erupted on Tuesday.

The Arsenal manager has been charged with misconduct by disciplinary chiefs for a foul-mouthed verbal tirade at referee Dean in the tunnel area following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion.

But in a fresh blow, the Frenchman is in line for further FA sanctions after continuing his attack on the official during yesterday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday evening’s London derby against Chelsea.

Arsene Wenger oversaw Arsenal training on Tuesday ahead of their clash with Chelsea

Wenger was left fuming after Dean awarded the Baggies a crucial last-gasp penalty, that Jay Rodriguez converted to equalise, after Kieran Gibbs’ attempted cross struck Calum Chambers on the hand.

Dean has since been heavily criticised for the decision, not least by Wenger, with replays indicating there was no intent from Chambers to handle.

Wenger and Dean were involved in a heated exchange on the touchline in the moments after the penalty was awarded.

But Wenger continued his tirade in the tunnel after the final whistle where, it is understood, the irate Arsenal manager alluded to a refereeing conspiracy against his team — in turn questioning the official’s integrity.

Speaking yesterday, Wenger said: ‘I must say what is more frustrating for me is that it happened many times this season - at Stoke, at Watford, at Man City, at West Brom. That is a concerning coincidence for me.’

Rules state that manager’s must wait 30 minutes after a game before they can approach a match official. It is unclear whether Wenger adhered to that protocol.

Arsenal boss Wenger was charged by the FA after criticising match officials on Sunday

Nevertheless, Dean believed his confrontation with Wenger was serious enough to report to the FA, who duly charged the Gunners boss.

An FA spokesman confirmed: ‘Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been charged following the West Bromwich Albion game on Sunday.

‘It is alleged his language and/or behaviour in the match officials’ changing room after the game was abusive and/or improper and/or questioned the integrity of the match referee. He has until 6pm on Friday to respond.’

The charge leaves Wenger facing a touchline — or even a stadium — ban.

The fact this Wenger's second misconduct charge in less than 12 months is likely to count against the manager.

The Frenchman was handed a four-match touchline ban last season after an altercation with referee Anthony Taylor, who was fourth official during the clash against Burnley on January 22, 2017.

The Arsenal boss accused Taylor of being ‘dishonest to his federation’ after designated referee Jon Moss awarded the Clarets a late penalty while also appearing to shove the fourth official before being sent off.

Calum Chambers of Arsenal appeals as referee Mike Dean awards a penalty against him

Wenger was involved in a heated exchange with Dean in the tunnel after the match on Sunday

While Wenger is likely to face a lengthy suspension for the Dean incident, last season’s punishment does not set a precedent for the latest charge — the FA dealing with such issues on a case-by-case basis.

Likewise, the fact this is Wenger's second such offence in under a year doesn't mean the FA will enforce an extended ban — though it is unlikely to work in his favour.

Wenger landed himself in further hot water yesterday after another verbal attack on Dean.

When asked whether Dean had offered an explanation as to why he awarded the penalty, Wenger replied: ‘No, he saw what he wanted to see and we have to deal with that. He [Dean] did that movement (gestures by putting his arm up).

‘But if you look at Chambers he never made that movement.' Wenger’s comments are likely to be probed by the FA given the remarks once again call Dean’s integrity into question.

The FA are likely to ask Wenger to provide his observations on the comments before deciding whether to open further disciplinary proceedings.

Meanwhile, Wenger has opened the door to Alexis Sanchez leaving this month.

Following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne, league leaders Manchester City will consider a swooping for Sanchez.

When asked whether Arsenal would be busy in the January transfer window Wenger added: ‘Of course it depends a little bit on the injuries and on the other hand I must say it depends on who will manage to extend the contracts of the players who are on the end of their contracts in June, so it will depend on that as well because we will have to take the consequences of these decisions and respond to it.

‘This club has lost many, many big players and has always responded well. Massive players have left this club and the club will always be in a strong position [afterwards].’