Arsenal hoping for quick resolution on Arsene Wenger's FA charge

Arsenal are hoping the Football Association will decide on Arsene Wenger's punishment for allegedly abusing and pushing a fourth official before this weekend's FA Cup game against Southampton so that it can be part of a likely touchline ban, a source has told ESPN FC.

Wenger has been charged with misconduct against fourth official Anthony Taylor after being sent off for protesting a penalty decision towards the end of Sunday's 2-1 win over Burnley, and faces a likely fine and touchline ban.

Wenger has until 6 p.m. GMT on Thursday to respond to the charge.

Arsenal would not comment on whether Wenger plans to admit the charge, but a club source told ESPN FC that there is an incentive to make sure any ban gets handed down before Saturday's trip to Southampton in the FA Cup fourth round.

If Wenger was to only get a two-game ban, as Alan Pardew did for pushing an assistant in 2012, he could then serve it against Southampton and Watford and be back in time for the crucial trip to Premier League leaders Chelsea on Feb. 4.

However, some refereeing experts have called for Wenger to get a much longer ban for getting physical with a match official.

The Evening Standard also reported that Wenger had called referee John Moss a "cheat" during his tirade that got him sent off, which the FA could also view as serious.

However, an Arsenal source disputed that claim, saying the word "cheat" was never used by Wenger.

Wenger apologised for his actions immediately after the game, saying: "I regret everything. I should have shut up and gone in and gone home, basically. And I apologise for that."

Follow me on Twitter: @princedarhsilver