Warnock sides with Wenger
01 Mar 2007 - 16:09:44
Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has sided with Arsene Wenger by claiming assistant referees "have not been forthcoming with the truth" in his own dealings with the Football Association.
The Arsenal boss is in hot water with the FA after accusing a linesman of lying over Emmanuel Adebayor's part in Sunday's Carling Cup brawl with Chelsea.
The Gunners striker was sent off after being accused of striking Frank Lampard during the stoppage time brawl - something even the Chelsea midfielder has since denied.
And now Warnock has waded into the controversy by claiming he has been the victim of assistant referees in his own disciplinary hearings with the FA.
"A lot of the problems are caused by linesmen, even though their job is difficult," he claimed.
"When I used to officiate, running a line was more difficult than refereeing - to concentrate, be up with play and judge when a pass was made for the offside.
"But I do feel they try to get busy, to get involved, and they feel justified. Much like in the Carling Cup final.
"I didn't see the violent conduct from Adebayor, but you have to go along with it.
"I've been at hearings myself where linesman have not told the truth, when they've got together and done their statements.
"But that's human nature. They try and get enough evidence to make sure they hang you.
"Certainly, sometimes they've not been forthcoming with the truth in some of my hearings over the years."
