http://www.4thegame.com/club/afc/news/137379/.html
CAMPBELL PLAYS DOWN ARSENAL ANTICS
Sunday 28 September 2003
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Arsenal centre-half Sol Campbell has amazingly defended his teammates' actions at Old Trafford last Sunday.
Six Highbury stars have been charged by the Football Association after the clash with Manchester United ended in controversy.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was jostled and taunted by Arsenal players after missing a late penalty in the 0-0 draw, which also saw Patrick Vieira sent off for striking out at the Dutchman.
Vieira, Martin Keown, Ashley Cole, Jens Lehmann, Ray Parlour and Lauren face a dozen FA charges while Arsene Wenger also came under fire over his post-match comments about van Nistelrooy.
Campbell, who missed the match following the death of his father, told the News of the World: "Certain things went on which stoked up the atmosphere even further and in the heat of the moment we reacted.
"That's an important word - reacted. We responded to what was going on out there and all I'll say is that Manchester United certainly played their part in what happened."
Arsenal have received a stunning 52 red cards during Wenger's seven-year reign, while they have also been criticised recently for diving to win penalties.
However, Campbell added: "We're not cheats, we're not yobs and we're not out of control.
"Do people really think we are a bunch of thugs who just go out to kick and scrap and fight and cheat our way to victory?"
CAMPBELL PLAYS DOWN ARSENAL ANTICS
Sunday 28 September 2003
| FOR THE LATEST ARSENAL MERCHANDISE - CLICK HERE! |
Arsenal centre-half Sol Campbell has amazingly defended his teammates' actions at Old Trafford last Sunday.
Six Highbury stars have been charged by the Football Association after the clash with Manchester United ended in controversy.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was jostled and taunted by Arsenal players after missing a late penalty in the 0-0 draw, which also saw Patrick Vieira sent off for striking out at the Dutchman.
Vieira, Martin Keown, Ashley Cole, Jens Lehmann, Ray Parlour and Lauren face a dozen FA charges while Arsene Wenger also came under fire over his post-match comments about van Nistelrooy.
Campbell, who missed the match following the death of his father, told the News of the World: "Certain things went on which stoked up the atmosphere even further and in the heat of the moment we reacted.
"That's an important word - reacted. We responded to what was going on out there and all I'll say is that Manchester United certainly played their part in what happened."
Arsenal have received a stunning 52 red cards during Wenger's seven-year reign, while they have also been criticised recently for diving to win penalties.
However, Campbell added: "We're not cheats, we're not yobs and we're not out of control.
"Do people really think we are a bunch of thugs who just go out to kick and scrap and fight and cheat our way to victory?"