Wenger: Sorry for Sunday

Arsene Wenger: Says his players over-reacted

Arsene Wenger today apologised for the behaviour of his Arsenal players at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Gunners manager, who has been criticised for not speaking out sooner, broke his silence following the FA's decision to charge six of his players for the controversial scenes at the end of the match against Manchester United.

But a clearly angry Wenger, who did not apologise for calling Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat, also insisted his team have been unfairly treated, claiming incidents involving Arsenal are highlighted by television more than other teams.

He also believes the FA overreacted to the media interest and dismissed suggestions that the club should have points deducted by saying: "Why not put us in Division One! Even in pub teams worse happens than happened on Sunday."

The club yesterday issued a statement condemning the action of those players charged, Martin Keown, Lauren, Ray Parlour, Ashley Cole, Jens Lehmann and Patrick Vieira and Wenger said: "I watched it again and we overreacted. We apologise for that. But I think there has been an overreaction to what happened.

"No one was hurt and I have seen in my time in England dangerous tackles and challenges that could have ended careers. I've seen 10 times worse than what happened on Sunday.

"But none of my players was guilty of anything that could damage careers or dangerous tackles or dangerous use of the elbows. I don't say what we did was right. I have spoken to the players about it and do you really think Martin Keown is not sorry for the way he overreacted. He knows he shouldn't have done it."

Wenger accepted that he must take responsibility for the behaviour of players on the pitch but added "there was a campaign for us to be charged and we were charged. We have to acknowledge we were out of order with our behaviour but there was really an overreaction to it as well."

Wenger also hinted strongly that each charge would be contested with each of the players.

"We will defend our case as strongly as I can. To me the FA reacted to media reaction. It would be more fair if the video evidence used in this case is applied to 10 games every week. I can show you video evidence of things that have happened that was really a problem."

When it was suggested that the image of football was tarnished in such a high-profile game he said: "Is it only for the Mercedes that the speed limit counts. Everyone else can drive as they want.

"I take responsibility for our behaviour I don't deny that. I just feel that the whole reaction is out of proportion."

It was pointed out to Wenger that the sight of van Nistelrooy being surrounded by Arsenal players at the end of the game was not one that would enhance Arsenal's reputation. He agreed but countered: "There is a history between van Nistelrooy and what he did against Lauren, Keown and Freddy Ljungberg in the Cup," although he also indicated he had taken action against Sunday's main culprits.

"I will do what you have to do internally." Arsenal now face the prospect of the suspension of six key players at the same time and Wenger said: "I will face the situation when it happens. Of course if worries me but we will try to defend our players in this. When our backs are against the wall we always show great resolve and great spirit."

Quizzed about the suggestion of a points deduction over the affair Wenger said: "Why not put us in Division One! Even in pub teams worse happens than happened on Sunday."

He also revealed that the personal hearing for Sol Campbell for his charge of violent conduct following an incident against Manchester United's Eric Djemba-Djemba has been scheduled for 9 October - two days before England's crucial Euro 20004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul.

Campbell, if fit, is certain to play against the Turks and when there was some surprise at the timing of the hearing, Wenger added: "Oh, so its a problem if its two days before an England game but would it have been a problem for you if it was two days before an Arsenal game?"

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