• Premier League

Wenger claims Cesc witch-hunt

ESPNsoccernet staff
February 3, 2011
Cesc Fabregas was unahappy with referee Lee Mason © PA Photos
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Arsene Wenger believes the recent criticism of Cesc Fabregas is unjust and has compared it to a witch-hunt.

Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas remonstrated with referee Lee Mason in the aftermath of Everton's controversial goal on Tuesday, and Toffees boss David Moyes claimed that the Spain midfielder went on to makes "disgusting" comments as he left the field.

Both The Sun and Daily Mail quote an Everton source on Thursday claiming Fabregas accused Mason of having been paid-off.

Fabregas has not been punished by The FA, as Mason made no reference to it in his match report, and the Arsenal captain claimed that it was "heat of the moment" stuff.

Wenger believes the incident should never have been made public and has hit out at Moyes for going against an unwritten rule of never speaking of such incidents.

Fabregas was also criticised after the 2-1 FA Cup victory over Huddersfield for refusing to swap shirts at the end of the game. Huddersfield's Anthony Pilkington wrote on Twitter: "2 lads asked him for his shirt and he told them to f*ck off!! Sick player but what a tit!"

Wenger feels the recent criticism of his captain is unjust. Asked if he thought there was a witch-hunt against Fabregas, Wenger said: "Yes.

"We are long enough in the job to know that somebody picks on you for a while, and you are in the heat of the moment, but for me what is the most important is the player behaves well.

"When Cesc is on the pitch, he tries to play football - I cannot say everybody who plays against him tries to do that.

"For example, some people reproach him for not exchanging shirts with a player after the game - but I hope he will not exchange shirts with players who try to kick him for 90 minutes and them come to say, 'Please can I get your shirt?'.

"I think that is a normal and natural reaction. Overall this guy is an example on the football pitch and shows you how to play football."

He added: "People are more demanding, and Cesc has to live with that. It is not easy, but he is a very intelligent man and he will learn very quickly to cope with that.

"Cesc is 24 this year. He has played 250 games in the Premier League - at that age, it is absolutely remarkable. He has gone through a lot, difficult moments, but has always come out stronger. This guy is a fantastic leader."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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