Wenger - Cole's not dirty

Former manager defends Chelsea man's challenge

By James Dall   Last updated: 21st March 2008

Arsene Wenger

Wenger: Calling for respect

GRAND SLAM SUNDAY

Watch the Premier League title race unfold live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 on 23rd March.

First up Manchester United entertain Liverpool, kick-off 1.30pm, followed at 4pm by Arsenal's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

Coverage of Grand Slam Sunday gets underway at 1pm.

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not believe Ashley Cole is a dirty player despite the Chelsea defender's challenge on Alan Hutton.

Cole has come under criticism after he caught Tottenham's Hutton with a high tackle and turned his back on referee Mike Riley following the incident in Wednesday's 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane.

The 27-year-old left-back, who left The Gunners for Stamford Bridge in 2006, has since apologised to both Hutton and Riley, with Blues manager Avram Grant applauding his maturity.

And Wenger - whose side face Chelsea on Grand Slam Sunday - does not believe that Cole had any intention of hurting Hutton.

Accident

"No, Ashley is not a dirty player, but I am responsible only for my players," he said.

"If you respect the referee, then you have to respect his decision.

"On the tackle, at full speed it's very difficult to see what Ashley Cole did - but I am not even sure if Ashley Cole wanted to hit him where he did hit him.

"It can be a complete accident, but you can only see it on replay."

Respect

The Football Association earlier this week launched a new RESPECT initiative aimed at improving the conduct towards match officials, which is already being trialled in 20 regional leagues around the country.

And Wenger has backed the initiative, saying: "I endorse it. However, it is always a very sensitive subject before a big game and I do not want to put any extra pressure on the referee.

"I always hated that, to put pressure on the referees.

"Of course, we have to respect them. I tell you something, I don't even know who is the referee on Sunday."