Arsenal FC

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• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Wenger backs irate Henry

12 Feb 2007 - 08:15:44

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger refused to criticise Thierry Henry after the French striker was booked for goading Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Chris Kirkland in the Gunners' 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.

Kirkland had angered the home side by taking his time over goal kicks throughout the match and Henry exchanged words with the shot-stopper after the hosts finally netted with ten minutes left.

However, Wenger backed Henry, saying: "Thierry was upset - but what he did, for me, was right.

"People do not pay money to see people waste time, they come to see football.

"Okay, he should not have done that but it is not the biggest insult we have seen in football.

"The time-wasting started in the first half - the goalkeeper kept crossing over his area to take kicks."

Henry added: "Kirkland started to waste time from the first minute.

"This is one of the games when I have run the most because I was trying to get the ball off him.

"When we scored I asked him if he wanted to waste any more time. It was just a joke but it was a bit annoying."