Arsene Wenger heading for ban

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confronted Busacca twice after the 3-1 Champions League defeat in Barcelona to complain about the decision to send off Robin van Persie for shooting one second after the whistle had been blown for offside.

Both Wenger and Nasri vented their frustration, but now Busacca has accused them of using the F-word in an aggressive manner.

It is understood Wenger told Busacca his decision was a “******* disgrace”, but stunned witnesses say the official responded by using the F-word back and pointing his finger in Wenger’s face. One onlooker told the Daily Express: “The referee gave as good as he got. It was amazing and both men were shouting at each other and both men swore.”

Busacca picked up a three-game ban in 2009 after he gave Young Boys fans the middle finger when they insulted him in a match. Arsenal have until Monday to give UEFA their views, with Wenger and Nasri facing fines or bans. They were both angry over a terrible decision and the Gunners will tell UEFA they believe Busacca inflamed the situation.

Wenger might struggle to defend a second outburst at the official over an hour later. Again, though, it is understood Busacca shouted back.

UEFA will not punish Van Persie for his accusation that the referee’s performance was “a joke”, but are now ‘researching’ comments on Twitter by Nasri, Van Persie and Jack Wilshere.

Cesc Fabregas suffered another hamstring injury and will miss Saturday’s FA Cup match at Manchester United, while Van Persie is unlikely to be risked after being rushed back from his knee problems.

Keeper Wojciech Szczesny hurt a finger and might miss the rest of the season, as might the Gunners’ long-term injury victim Thomas Vermaelen.