Clichy - Davies challenge stupid

Gunners defender feels he was lucky to escape serious injury

By James Dall   Last updated: 26th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Clichy - Davies challenge stupid

Clichy: 'Lucky'

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Arsenal defender Gael Clichy believes he is 'lucky' to be available for Saturday's game against Hull City after Kevin Davies' 'stupid challenge'.

Clichy was left with a bruised shin after he was caught by a lunge from Bolton Wanderers striker Davies in last weekend's 3-1 win at the Reebok Stadium.

The France full-back has recovered in time for the match with Hull, but believes Davies, who was booked for the tackle, should have been shown a red card.

He told club's official website: "I have seen it again many times. The only thing I can say is that it was a stupid challenge.

"I don't understand how people can say it's a good challenge.

Lucky

"I don't blame the referee, and it's difficult for referees - but we had a meeting at the start of the season with the referees and they were saying that bad challenges would be punished with a red card.

"He [Davies] got the ball of course, but to allow a player like this to carry on playing is really difficult."

Clichy added: "I couldn't move, the doctor could not touch it and we've lost a player [Eduardo] like this so that's on your mind.

"I've been really lucky on this challenge, I'm lucky to be here and to be playing on Saturday."