By Ian Grant
PLAYERS
The English Football Association plans no action against Carlisle United midfielder Richard Prokas for a two-footed tackle on Arsenal’s Patrick Viera during Saturday’s FA Cup third round match. Referee Steve Lodge took no action at the time because he said the tackle looked like a “50-50 challenge”.
Patrick Vieira launched an attack on Premiership referees and accused them of doing little more than “strutting around the pitch like penguins”, following the lack of action over the X-rated tackle. Meanwhile Vieira waits on an FA decision over the incidents at Leeds with Bakke and Dacourt.
Dennis Bergkamp endured an 11-hour round trip by car while his team-mates flew up from London.
Edu said: “The long wait is over for me and I will be an Arsenal player within days. English football is different to what I’m used to, but I can’t wait to play for Arsenal. Arsenal have supported me through everything and I want to repay their faith by helping them to success.” He will stay with Silvinho until he finds a home in London.
According to one paper, Arsenal are lining up Martin Keown as a future coach – and potential manager. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says: “He is part of the furniture now at Arsenal and we must utilise his spirit and desire to win in all ways.”
TRANSFERS
Some papers says that Arsenal will be interested in the Newcastle keeper, Shay Given, who has just put in a transfer request. He would cost about £5million.
Arsenal have been promised first refusal on Real Madrid’s £15m-rated defender Ivan Helguera. Real claim Arsenal have registered an interest in European Cup winner Helguera, who is keen on a move to Highbury.
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry echoed manager Gerard Houllier’s message that the arrival of Jari Litmanen from Barcelona does not mean Robbie Fowler will be sold.
MISCELLANEOUS
Fans have reacted with dismay to the decision to move Manchester United’s Premiership clash with Arsenal to the same day as the Worthington Cup Final. Arsenal’s meeting with United at Old Trafford has been put back a day to Sunday, February 25, so that the game can be shown live on television.
“You could have Mickey Mouse in charge on Saturday. You could stick a bucket out there with a mop in it or a potato with a carrot for a nose. It doesn’t matter. No one needs motivating for this match.” said Ian Atkins, the Carlisle manager, before the Saturday FA Cup tie.
“We have an 11-point lead. If we let it slip, it will be embarrassing but it’s happened before when we had a 12-point lead and lost the League to Arsenal. So I’ll remind the players of that,” said Alex Ferguson to motivate his team.