Wenger denies conduct charge
30 Mar 2007 - 16:56:02
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied an FA charge of improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute after he accused one of the Carling Cup final assistant referees of lying.
Wenger was incensed with the FA's decision to charge Emmanuel Adebayor for his part in the mass brawl in the closing minutes of the final in Cardiff on February 23.
The Togo international was shown a straight red card by referee Howard Webb and was subsequently charged over his angry protests after being sent off and his failure to leave the field of play promptly.
Chelsea's John Obi Mikel and Gunners defender Kolo Toure also saw red, but Wenger was particularly furious with the decision to send off Adebayor.
After his side's 1-0 FA Cup fifth round replay loss at Blackburn Rovers days after the final, the Frenchman blasted: "I feel Adebayor didn't punch anybody, so when the linesman says he punched somebody, he lies.
"When he says he punched (Frank) Lampard, I would like you to ask Lampard if he was punched by Adebayor and I want him to say the truth.
"If it is yes we will accept it, but we have watched it on microscope and if you see Adebayor punching Lampard, I would like you to show me that."
Wenger has requested a personal hearing for which a date has yet to be scheduled.