Arsene Wenger 'to avoid punishment for referee comments'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will reportedly face no action from the Football Association over comments made about referee Martin Atkinson in the wake of Sunday's defeat to Manchester City.

The Frenchman hit out at the official following the 2-1 reverse at the Etihad Stadium, claiming that both of the Citizens' goals should have been ruled out for offside.

Wenger refused to hold back when asked about the referee's display, accusing the Premier League's top officials of being 'protected like lions in the zoo' and too often making incorrect decisions in the big games.

Sky Sports News reports that the FA will not punish the 67-year-old, however, as they feel that he has not crossed any disciplinary line with the comments and will therefore not face a hearing to explain himself.

Defeat to Man City leaves Arsenal winless in two top-flight games and now nine points behind current leaders Chelsea.