Source: Telegraph
Arsenal's Arsene Wenger says Wayne Rooney would not be treated like Eduardo if he dived
The Brazilian-born Croatia international was roundly booed during England’s 5-1 win over Slaven Bilic’s side but Wenger maintains that while Eduardo “made more” of the contact between himself and Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc in a recent Champions League tie with Celtic his player was being clever rather than cheating.
Arsenal have appealed against a two match European ban Eduardo received for the incident and will learn the outcome on Monday.
“Eduardo made a bit more of it but watch the television and it is part of the game,” said Wenger.
“It is a very fine line between being shrewd and cheating the referee.
“You cannot prove intent from a guy who is touched; he goes down and shows the referee that it is a penalty.
“It’s a very emotional situation. Being a hero or a cheat depends very much on what side of the camp you are on.
“England are in the World Cup and if Rooney does that in the last minute of the game and England win the World Cup, do you really think Rooney will be slaughtered the next day?”
Eduardo is in line to face Manchester City on Saturday and Wenger is expecting the player to come in for rough treatment from both opposition fans and players.
Having battled back from a horrific leg break the Arsenal manager believes his striker has the mental fortitude to ride out any special attention but is concerned that the debate ragging around him over gamesmanship in the sport means he is now less likely to be awarded penalties, even if they are legitimate.
At Wembley on Wednesday England fullback Glen Johnson appeared to foul Eduardo on the six yard line but nothing was given.
“Any situation you face as a top player you have to deal with. You have to be mentally strong.
“The worst thing is that he is not given penalties now that are penalties. I believe that (Johnson’s challenge) was a penalty.
“You want everybody to be treated fairly and I don’t believe he has been treated fairly.
“I don’t think it will affect him. He’s been through a lot more difficult things than that. The good way to deal with that is that he is in good health. It’s a minor event considering what he’s gone through before.”
Eduardo’s place in the starting line up against City is almost assured after Andrei Arshavin returned from international duty with Russia having aggravated a groin injury playing in their win over Wales.
Arshavin will miss the next three games and Wenger is upset that Guus Hiddink used his player when he was less than fully fit.
“He should not have played (for Russia). He will also be out for Wednesday against Standard Liege and against Wigan next weekend,” said Wenger.
“He had a groin problem which is why I took him off against Manchester United. He should not have played. You can say a lot, but it doesn’t do a lot.”
