West Ham United Football Club

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35595

Pardew offers apology

06 Nov 2006 - 07:49:19

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West Ham boss Alan Pardew has apologised to Arsene Wenger after the pair clashed on the touchline following the Hammers' 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday.

Pardew and the Wenger squared up after Marlon Harewood scored a last-minute winner at Upton Park.

Wenger also refused to shake the hand of the Hammers chief after the final whistle.

"I apologise if I offended Arsene," said Pardew. "If I was over-zealous in my celebrations, which I'm sure I was, I apologise fully to Arsene and Arsenal.

"We've had a tough old season here and maybe it came out. Arsene was annoyed with that, maybe quite rightly so, but I hope that I can iron that out and we will be big enough to look each other in the eye.

"It was nothing personal, I was celebrating the goal. I've got great respect for him and that won't change.

"He is a top guy and I really respect him. I thought I was entitled to celebrate the goal after a pulsating game."