The nuclear fallout continues...

Skizz · Nov 10, 2006

...as AW cancels his Friday press conference for the first time in 10 years. I know the source isn't the best, but you get the point.

T*e S*n said:

SULKING Arsene Wenger has cancelled his usual Friday Press conference — for the first time in 10 years.

The Gunners boss is still refusing to talk after being charged with improper conduct by the FA.

Wenger stormed away from Upton Park without comment after his touchline bust-up with West Ham’s Alan Pardew during the 1-0 defeat. He also failed to speak to the media after the 1-0 Carling Cup win at Everton on Wednesday.

Now the moaning monsieur has extended his vow of silence and is not even talking to the club’s official website.

Today’s boycott will be the first time since Wenger took charge at Arsenal in 1996 he has not spoken before a big home match.

And club officials cannot guarantee their manager will speak after Sunday’s clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

As Wenger’s lips remained sealed, it was left to Fulham’s Chris Coleman and Watford’s Aidy Boothroyd to jump to the defence of feuding bosses.

Coleman insisted the FA must be careful not to take the passion out of football.

He said: “Fans want their managers to show passion.

“It would be impossible for me not to celebrate a goal. I’ve found myself standing three yards on to the pitch after we have scored and could not even tell you how I got there.

“What we saw at West Ham was a manager who was under pressure and another who was disappointed that a couple of decisions didn’t go his way. It was understandable.”

Coleman said that Manchester United chief Alex Ferguson was the one boss he would not like to upset.

He said: “The hardest manager in the Premiership? There is only one hard man — and he’s a Scot.”

Boothroyd believes the FA should stop wasting money charging bosses and use it where it matters.

He said: “They should spend more time on the grassroots and educating coaches — and stop messing about with small things.”
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When will it all end? He must be REALLY pissed off. Even Gilberto said the same!

Gilberto said:

"There were no problems with Mr Wenger and the players because the problem didn't involve the players. But the situation left us scared. We know the manager and we know that he is very polite and calm. Something very bad had happened to make him react like he did. After the game, Mr Wenger didn't talk to anyone. As it wasn't a problem involving the players, he decided not to discuss it with us.

"I have seen it on TV many times, and when West Ham scored Pardew came to our bench to celebrate, but in an offensive way. That made Wenger react how he did, and that is why he had to talk to Pardew about that celebration.

"He was p***ed off about the way he celebrated and, as i said, that was the reason he reacted that way. As I saw it on TV, Pardew said some words that he, as a manager, should have thought about before saying. He should have showed a little more respect. Of course, he could celebrate the goal, but not in the offensive way he did. That is what made Mr Wenger react."
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Wenger has put a cork in it

Wenger scared us

Miles Brasher · Nov 10, 2006

Good to see other managers generally saying they did nothing wrong.

Coleman's wrong when he says there is only one hardman, and I'm sure in his playing days he must have come up against a couple more in Pearce and Hughes, neither of which would have any problems going head to head with... well anyone really..

Lanesra · Nov 10, 2006

RealMadGunner · Nov 10, 2006

AW must have some serious issues .. Hope he gets back to his happy/suspicious look .. Soon ..

Skizz · Nov 10, 2006

I'd rather he just come out and say that he's going to fly-kick Pardew in the head when West Spam come to the Emirates and we go 1-0 up. Regardless of whether or not Pardew is in the stand. He can't stay quiet until the home match with them comes around! Surely?

Naushad78 · Nov 10, 2006

What I hope Wenger does or has done is channelize all that anger constructively towards the team.
This team has potential and should be ruthless against its opposition in much the same way that ManUtd are but this team also needs its issues ironed out - like SCORING, getting Henry into aggressive mode and getting tough all round.

I'm sick of hearing Wenger talk about the Arsenal philosophy of playing beautiful football, moaning about 10defenders behind the ball etc etc. For once, I'd like him to come out and say "whoever you are, I don't care but watch out cause we're going to take you apart!"

Miles Brasher · Nov 10, 2006

Naushad78 said:

I'm sick of hearing Wenger talk about the Arsenal philosophy of playing beautiful football, moaning about 10defenders behind the ball etc etc. For once, I'd like him to come out and say "whoever you are, I don't care but watch out cause we're going to take you apart!"
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which of course is a great way to galvanise the opposition into defending like madmen...

antifan · Nov 10, 2006

What's up with skipping the press conferences though? Is Wenger trying to rein in the press by depriving them of quotable quips?

splara10 · Nov 10, 2006

Pardew said something to Wenger - it wasn't simply about celebrating a goal. Anyone who's seen the full vid can clearly see Pards celebrate with his staff, then run over to Wenger and say something that just made AW snap.

If Pards was just celebrating, even obnoxiously, there's no problem in my mind. But he clearly said something over the top. Why else would he so quickly apologize multiple times?

antifan · Nov 10, 2006

splara10 said:

Pardew said something to Wenger - it wasn't simply about celebrating a goal. Anyone who's seen the full vid can clearly see Pards celebrate with his staff, then run over to Wenger and say something that just made AW snap.

If Pards was just celebrating, even obnoxiously, there's no problem in my mind. But he clearly said something over the top. Why else would he so quickly apologize multiple times?
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Where are the British press' fantastic lip readers when you really need them?

splara10 · Nov 10, 2006

antifan said:

Where are the British press' fantastic lip readers when you really need them?
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Exactly.

I'm almost certain that Pards called him a "son of a whore" and a "terrorist"

bigp · Nov 10, 2006

Rumours I read from another board is that Pardew said "Made in England."

And we all know how much Wenger hates xenophobia and plus the xenophobic comments Pardew made last year so if what Pardew said was true then I guess you can understand why Wenger is pissed.

rojagooner · Nov 10, 2006

From the Arsenal.com site:
http://www.arsenal.com/matchreport.asp?thisNav=fixtures&fxid=300471

"Make sure you catch Sunday’s programme and Matchday TV show as they will carry Wenger’s first comments on the events of this unusual week."

So I guess we will hear from him then.

Naushad78 · Nov 10, 2006

Miles Brasher said:

which of course is a great way to galvanise the opposition into defending like madmen...
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Maybe but it will also ensure that our players play with that same killer instinct.

Scally · Nov 12, 2006

Ok Pardew did p Wenger off but I wouldnt be at all surprised if, in his genius mind, Arsene thought "ok time to take spotlight off the team" ....and in a double stroke of genius..."and give the team some fire for the rest of the season" !!!

Well he is a genius like.....

thebigman · Nov 12, 2006

^^^hes not that instantanoiusly geniusistic

he was just mad at cockney swine pardews ott celebration, both managers arguements are understandable, but not shaking his hand was a poor gesture and im sure wenger will make peace eentually

antifan · Nov 12, 2006

thebigman said:

^^^hes not that instantanoiusly geniusistic

he was just mad at cockney swine pardews ott celebration, both managers arguements are understandable, but not shaking his hand was a poor gesture and im sure wenger will make peace eentually
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Why bother making up with Pardew? He's two points clear of the relegation zone and will be out of a job by next season.

BTW here is Wenger's take on the situation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6141516.stm

"I responded and I regret I responded. I shouldn't have done it but I also accept Alan Pardew's apology."

"I am sure you all saw what happened on the touchline at the end of the game and I will say that I had my reasons - but at the moment I have been charged by the FA, so I cannot say much more about it.

"I will give my explanations for what happened when the time comes but I will say that there is always a reason for a reaction."
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RealMadGunner · Nov 24, 2006

Arsène Wenger responds to Football Association charge

Arsène Wenger has today responded to the FA regarding the charge of improper conduct he received after our game against West Ham United on Sunday 5th November 2006.

Arsène has admitted the charge and requested a personal hearing with the FA.
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thebigman · Nov 24, 2006

wenger should apologise and not just pardew

and def shouldve shaken his hand because it makes himself look worse if he doesnt