• Premier League

Van Persie accused of 'malicious' elbow

ESPN staff
February 9, 2015
Allardyce notes Van Gaal's long-ball tactics

West Ham defender James Tomkins has accused Manchester United striker Robin van Persie of deliberately elbowing him during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Upton Park.

Tomkins, whose nose was broken in a clash with United's Marouane Fellaini later in the game, suggested Van Persie may have intended to hurt him during the incident.

"It is tough to say that he does it deliberately but, with the Van Persie one, I think he had a look at me first and then he has gone for me," Tomkins said in the Daily Mirror.

James Tomkins was criticised for falling theatrically earlier in the season, and claims it could have counted against him on Sunday © PA Photos
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"That was more malicious than the other one [Fellaini challenge], even though I came out worse the second time. The nose is a bit swollen. Fellaini was the second time in the match when I broke it. He has always got that about him when he goes up with his hands a lot."

Tomkins said he was surprised Van Persie was not punished by referee Mark Clattenburg.

"It was definitely a yellow at least, but I don't like to say that someone should have got sent off," he said. "I am sure that there are challenges that I might make in the future that could be yellow or something else."

Tomkins was criticised earlier this season for falling theatrically after being shoved by Everton midfielder Kevin Mirallas and he suggested that incident may have counted against him.

"Obviously when I went down before it didn't cover me in glory to be honest, so I tried to get up more quickly, but he did catch me - he caught me sweet around the jaw," he said.

"I was expecting a little bit of physical contact from strikers, but when someone looks round and then comes for me, it is a bit more malicious."

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