Source: PA
Di Matteo promises hard but fair approach
Roberto Di Matteo has told Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that West Brom will adopt a physical but fair approach in Saturday's Barclays Premier Leagie clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Albion head coach Di Matteo has sympathy for Wenger's demands that referees adopt a strong stance in protecting players from reckless challenges.
But the former Chelsea star also insists that proper tackling is part of the English game.
Di Matteo said: "My opinion is that football is a contact sport. Part of it is physicality - but it needs to be fair. Referees have to be strong and make sure the game is conducted in a fair manner where no players get injured. They need to protect the players.
"Sometimes it is just an unfortunate challenge, sometimes it is challenges that can be avoided when a player gets injured. It has got to be fair. No one wants to see players getting injured or breaking legs.
"I don't know what category we find ourselves in at the moment. We want to be competitive but we are not the bad boys of the Premier League at the moment."
