Wenger - Diouf tackle 'a red'

17 March 2009 20:06
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Blackburn forward El Hadji Diouf should have been sent-off for his controversial tackle on Manuel Almunia.[LNB] The Senegalese was only cautioned for his challenge on the Arsenal keeper during Rovers' 4-0 loss at the Emirates on Saturday.[LNB]But Wenger believes he should have received a straight red - saying such a challenge could have broken the Spaniard's leg.[LNB]"The challenge from Diouf on Manuel Almunia should be a straight red card," Wenger said in the program notes ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup quarter-final against Hull City.[LNB]"I have seen it again and he should have been sent off. You cannot compromise on challenges like that - it could break your leg."[LNB]InjuredAlmunia continued in goal against Blackburn but Wenger said he 'is injured now' and 'a doubt' for the weekend's game at Newcastle.[LNB]Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas also blasted the tackle, saying: "It's not worthy to do these things on a football pitch - if you're 100 percent certain that you can win the ball then try, but you just can't go in to injure another footballer who is trying to do the same job as you."[LNB]Earlier this month, Wenger - who lost Eduardo for a year after his leg was broken by Birmingham's Martin Taylor last season - called for longer suspensions for players who commit dangerous tackles.[LNB]He said the Football Association should create a special committee to determine if a three-match suspension is enough.[LNB]Almunia has not played in Arsenal's FA Cup run and Lukasz Fabianski was in goal for the Gunners game against Hull.[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports