Arsene Wenger: Arsenal boss charged & says some referees 'in dark ages'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes some referees are living in the "dark ages" with the way they treat players.

The Frenchman was speaking on the day he was charged by the Football Association over comments made to the match officials after Sunday's 1-1 draw at West Brom in the Premier League.

Wenger was angry after referee Mike Dean gave the Baggies a last-minute penalty, which they scored.

He says he wants to see referees take "sharp action" on the field.

"This is the 1950s, where the guy talks to him: 'If you're not nice, I might punish you.' Come on, let's not waste time," he said on Tuesday.

"What does it help for the game? Nothing. Nothing happens. People want crisp, sharp action, and the referee has to make sure that that happens.

"They want to see: 'Come on, let's get on with it and play.' That's our responsibility. We don't live in the dark ages."

With just a minute remaining of Sunday's match, Calum Chambers was penalised after Kieran Gibbs pushed the ball onto his arm, but Wenger felt his player had not deliberately handled.

Football's laws state handball must be a "deliberate act" and the distance between the opponent and ball should be considered. Chambers was standing about two metres from Gibbs.

Wenger has called for the rules to be clearer and simpler.

It is alleged his conduct in the match officials' changing room at The Hawthorns was abusive and that he questioned the integrity of the referee.

He has until 18:00 GMT on Friday to respond to the charge.

Last January, Wenger was given a four-match touchline ban by the FA after being found guilty of misconduct after an incident with fourth official Anthony Taylor during a league game against Burnley.

Wenger's side, who are fifth in the Premier League, host third-placed Chelsea on Wednesday (19:45 GMT).