Gilberto explains Wenger’s reaction
November 10, 2006
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Gilberto blames Pardew for Wenger reaction
The normally non-blaming Gilberto today blamed Alan Pardew for the actions of normally non-aggressive Arsene Wenger.
ARSENE WENGER’S players were left ‘scared’ of him following his astonishing clash with Alan Pardew during Arsenal’s defeat at West Ham.
Midfielder Gilberto is the first Gunners’ star to shed light on exactly what happened in the dressing room after the touchline clash that stunned football last Sunday.
The Brazilian World Cup star revealed he and his team-mates gave the normally mild-mannered Wenger a wide berth after the 1-0 defeat which left them 10 points behind Premiership leaders Manchester United with their title challenge in tatters.
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And he also revealed that “p****d off” Wenger did not even deliver a full-time team talk after the match, preferring simply to sit brooding in silence.
But Gilberto maintained that dismal though the team’s performance was, Wenger’s anger was reserved exclusively for Pardew following the Hammers manager’s ‘disrespectful’ goal celebration.
Speaking to the Brazilian media, Gilberto said: “There were no problems between Mr Wenger and the players because the problem didn’t involved 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.”
Wenger is known for being a fierce competitor. Last season he squared up to Tottenham chief Martin Jol, while his face-offs with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson are well documented.
But Sunday was the first time Wenger has allowed his emotions to boil over to such an extent that he had to be restrained by fourth official – Andy D’Urso.
The FA have charged both Wenger and Pardew over the scuffle with possible punishments ranging from a fine to a touchline ban.
But Gilberto is in no doubt that Pardew is squarely to blame for the incident, insisting the West Ham boss had no right to approach Wenger as part of his goal celebrations after Marlon Harewood’s dramatic late winner.
In a blistering attack on the Upton Park chief, Gilberto added: “I have seen it on TV many times and when West Ham scored, Pardew came to our bench to celebrate, but in a offensive way.
“That made Wenger react like he did, and that is why he had to talk to Pardew about that celebration.
“He was p****d off about the way Pardew 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 Wenger react.”
Very juicy indeed! More to follow tomorrow, no doubt.