MUSCAT: PIRES SPAT AT ME
Muscat has been roundly condemned for a reckless lunge that left Bordeaux ace Christophe Dugarry with serious knee ligament damage and his World Cup participation in serious doubt.
The Wolves defender, though, was involved in a number of incidents before being substituted in the immediate aftermath of the Dugarry tackle, one being with Pires moments before half-time.
The pair tangled for the ball, and went eyeball-to-eyeball before players from each side separated the pair.
Muscat has released a statement claiming Pires spat at him and it was this that was the `catalyst' for later incidents.
"In a deeply regrettable incident, Robert Pires spat in my face during the first half of the game," claimed Muscat.
"This isn't the first time he has done this in a match against Australia, and I wouldn't let it happen to me on the street, let alone during a match.
"This is by no means an excuse, however it was the catalyst for some incidents during the match."
Socceroos coach Frank Farina defended Muscat and attacked Pires, commenting: "It's the momentum when they fall together and he twists his knee.
"What has really irked him (Muscat) and a few of the other players is Pires spitting.
"Maybe he (Pires) should look in the mirror himself and seriously look, if it is true what happened, at his actions.
"He should understand he has a responsibility as a champion of the world."
If Pires is guilty of spitting, the Arsenal man should be severely reprimanded but nothing can justify Muscat`s late challenge on innocent party Dugarry.
Pires revealed after the game that the French players were incensed by Muscat`s actions, saying: "It was a battle throughout. We did very well not to lose our cool, especially after the injury to Dugarry.
"It is necessary to punish this kind of behaviour."
