GIGGS GETS SHIRTY OVER CELEBRATION RULES

RYAN GIGGS has hit out at the new strict rules preventing players from taking their shirts off during goal celebrations, in the wake of the Football Association's decision to charge referee Steve Lodge for not booking two Arsenal players for the offence in the Gunners' match with Charlton in August.

Lodge was called before an FA tribunal to explain his failure to book Patrick Vieira and Silvinho who both whipped off their shirts after they scored in the dramatic 5-3 over The Addicks at Highbury.

But Giggs has hit back at the FA's determination to cut these scenes out of the game, which are not actually prevented by Uefa rules, and he has highlighted the reason he took his shirt off after his sensational winning goal Arsenal in the FA Cup semi final two seasons ago.

"The rules are too petty," said the Welsh winger. "This one doesn't take a footballer's emotions into account.

"Most of us don't make a habit of ripping our shirts off when we score. For me it was just a one-off and I think people understood why I did it. It was a vital goal on the way to the treble.

In reference to Patrick Vieira's celebrations, Giggs added: "He had been sent off in both the previous games and was obviously considering his future in England.

"So when he scored and ripped his shirt off, it was just a pure show of emotion."