Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Wenger stands by comments

02 Mar 2007 - 15:03:41

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to apologise for the comments he made earlier this week when he labelled the assistant referee at the Carling Cup final "a liar".

Wenger was incensed when the official claimed Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor had been sent off in the closing stages of the controversial 2-1 defeat to Chelsea for punching Blues midfielder Frank Lampard.

Adebayor and Emmanuel Eboue have been suspended for three games after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association, but Wenger remains unhappy about the whole incident.

The Frenchman, who will almost certainly face disciplinary action for his comments, said: "I can say that the referee and the linesman made a big mistake and I'm capable of proving it. Lampard was not punched by Adebayor.

"It is regrettable that this club will suffer. We deserve more respect than that. Arsenal are well-loved. Many people abroad can't believe what has happened.

"It was a big mistake. I do not accept the club has been treated like this. I will defend myself in front of the FA.

"The whole system is not fair. I believe it is not right. I maintain what I have said - we are fair on the pitch."