Source: Daily_Mail
Ferguson orders United fans to stop 'paedophile' taunts aimed at Wenger
[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded that Manchester United's fans end theirobscene taunts directed at Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.[LNB]Ferguson defended Wenger in the build-up to United's trip to the Emirates on Sunday, but criticised the Frenchman for accusing Darren Fletcher of being a dirty player after Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in August. [LNB]That game marked the low point in the campaign of sick abuse aimed at Wenger, who was the target for chants and taunted mercilessly when he was sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle. [LNB] Centre of attention: Arsene Wenger lost his cool after being dismissed from the dugout at Old Trafford in August[LNB]Bemused Wenger stood among United fans but was a sitting duck for his tormentors. [LNB]Referees' chief Keith Hackett later apologised to the Arsenal boss,and United chief executive David Gill met supporter groups in anattempt to halt the vile insults. [LNB]Concern: Sir Alex Ferguson[LNB]Ferguson repeated the plea, saying: 'Sometimes I can't hear thesechants and I can't make them out, but I know there's been some terribleabuse from our fans aimed at Arsene. [LNB]'There must be a line drawn and I think they know that themselves.'Our fans showed against City on Wednesday that there are none better.It was fantastic support and I was really proud of them.[LNB] 'But we don't need to worry about anyone else. They should be proudof the team they are supporting. I get abuse myself and Harry Redknappgot some terrible abuse recently (at Aston Villa). There has to be aline drawn somewhere.' [LNB]Arsenal provided a snatch squad of stewards when United played atArsenal in the Premier League and Champions League last season afterFerguson had complained of abuse.[LNB]Battle resumes: Patrice Evra (left) challenged Emmanuel Eboue during a dramatic clash between United and Arsenal in August[LNB] Both occasions passed off without incident. Yet controversy is neverfar away when the sides meet and Wenger responded to the Gunners'defeat at Old Trafford by claiming Fletcher's robust display was'anti-football'.[LNB] 'There are players who make repeated fouls and are never punished and get out of the game without a yellow card,' said Wenger.[LNB] 'It cuts the flow of the game. People pay to see football, they donot come to see free-kicks.' Asked about those comments yesterday,Ferguson's entente cordiale with Wenger looked shaky.[LNB] 'I think that's where Arsene lets himself down - his own view of the Arsenal players,' he said. [LNB]'Everyone knows Fletcher is not a dirty player, not a physicalplayer, not built that way. But he can win the ball because his timingand energy is fantastic. You can't call that a fault. [LNB]'I don't think Arsene really believes that, but sometimes it happens that way.' [LNB]Ferguson raised the stakes for the game by saying the title seems to be a three-horse race between United, Arsenal and Chelsea. [LNB]He said: 'I wouldn't say we're certain to win the League, or Chelseaand Arsenal are certain. We all have a chance. All the others have achance of fourth.' [LNB]And he reserved praise for Wayne Rooney who could face Sol Campbell tomorrow. [LNB]'At this moment, Rooney is in great form. He's shown it in periods every season but hopefully, this lasts.' [LNB]Anderson will be included in the squad despite being fined for goingAWOL, and United will not appeal against Rio Ferdinand's four-matchban. [LNB] ALL THE WEEKEND BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWSManchester United misfit Anderson on verge of Lyon loan dealArsenal boss backs Sol Campbell to shackle in-form striker Wayne RooneyARSENAL FC
