Wenger's red card woe
17 Dec 2006 - 10:01:03
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted that he had been sent to the stands at half-time of his side's 2-2 draw with Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger was dismissed by referee Steve Bennett after complaining to the match official as the players left the field at the interval.
After the draw, Wenger commented: "I was sent off because I complained about a foul on Gael Clichy which was not given.
"I complained in the tunnel at half-time to the referee and he sent me off. I do not remember being sent off before, but I went and sat in the stands where the assistant referee told me to go in the second half.
"I have had some disappointing draws this season, but this was not one of them. Portsmouth began the game quicker and better than we did, but I was pleased with the way my players came back.
"At half-time I told them to play higher up the pitch and to raise the tempo. I know we conceded another goal soon after half-time, but I felt we were playing much better.
"I was pleased with the way my players responded. I have had many teams in my career, but I don't know of many who would have shown the determination and come back the way that this young team did."
