Dein claims feud is over

Arsenal insisted today the bitter row with Manchester United is over.

After United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made allegations of 'thuggery' against Thierry Henry on Friday, Arsenal vice- chairman David Dein held fresh talks with United chief executive David Gill yesterday.

Dein told Standard Sport: "The clubs have spoken at the highest level and agree the matter is now closed."

Gill and Dein's attempt to draw a line under the events at Old Trafford eight days ago hit a stumbling block this morning, however, when it was reported Ferguson has added Dennis Bergkamp to his infamous 'dossier' of evidence he hopes will condemn Arsenal. Ferguson claims the Dutchman lashed out at United's Alan Smith.

United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has already been charged by the Football Association for a dangerous challenge on Ashley Cole in United's 2-0 defeat that halted the Gunners' 49- match unbeaten run.

Although the Arsenal and United hierarchies want an end to the bad blood between the clubs, Ferguson - who was pelted with pizza by Arsenal players after the Old Trafford match - is not letting the matter drop

He is putting together a collection of video evidence featuring what he believes are fouls by Arsenal players which he claims should be punished.

He claims Henry's boot caught Gabriel Heinze in the head and believes the challenge was worse than the tackle on Cole that earned Van Nistelrooy a ban.

But Ferguson's case is not helped by the fact he waited almost a week before reporting the incidents. The FA review matters missed by referees within 48 hours of the match in question.

Ferguson has apparently watched footage of the match and carefully picked out a variety of incidents in a bid to see Arsenal punished by the FA.

The footage does appear to show Bergkamp's extended arm connecting with Smith's head but referee Mike Riley is standing two feet away and looking in the direction of both players - yet he took no action.

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