Sunday, August 30, 2009

Wenger to get sending off apology

Arsene Wenger
Wenger saw his side lose their 100% record at Old Trafford

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is to get an apology from referees chief Keith Hackett over his dismissal during the Gunners' 2-1 loss to Manchester United.

Wenger was sent to the stands by ref Mike Dean in the dying moments of Saturday's match at Old Trafford.

Fourth official Lee Probert advised Dean after Wenger kicked a water bottle following a disallowed Arsenal goal.

League Managers Association chief Richard Bevan has been told by Hackett that Wenger will receive an apology.

"I've spoken to Keith Hackett and he fully recognises the situation was an error and an apology will follow to Arsene Wenger," said Bevan.

"Lee Probert totally failed to manage the situation and created a needless pressure point taking the focus away from the pitch in a big event with only a minute to go."

"Although correct in 'law', the decision was completely out of context in the game and it was followed by the nonsense which followed over where Arsene Wenger should sit."

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After his sending off, Wenger was unaware of where to go and firstly moved to the Arsenal dugout and then the main stand at Old Trafford before being ushered along the touchline to the tunnel as the game concluded.

Wenger demonstrated his frustration in the final seconds of the match when his side were denied a late equaliser when William Gallas was adjudged offside in the build up to Robin Van Persie's side-foot finish.

Wenger afterwards admitted that he had kicked the bottle not out of anger at the decision to rule out the goal but disappointment at his side's failure to get the equaliser.

Arsenal had earlier taken a first-half lead in the match courtesy of an Andriy Arshavin goal, only to see United hit back to take the lead through a Wayne Rooney penalty and an own goal from Abou Diaby.

Wenger was also unhappy with Dean's decision earlier in the match not to award his side a penalty for Darren Fletcher's untidy tackle on Arshavin.

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