WINTERBURN DENIES DI CANIO RIFT
WEST HAM UNITED defender Nigel Winterburn has insisted that he holds no grudge against team-mate Paolo Di Canio, over an account in the Italian's new book of his infamous dismissal for Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough two seasons ago.
The temperamental striker was sent off by referee Paul Alcock, after he pushed the official, and Di Canio claims that Winterburn, then with Arsenal, inflamed the situation by calling for him to be sent off.
The book describes 36-year-old Winterburn as 'yapping away like one of those hyperactive dogs,' claiming that soon afterwards the veteran defender was 'retreating, wetting his pants in fear.'
However, Winterburn has said that there are no hard feelings between the two players, admitting that he was at fault in the incident.
"We laugh about it now," explained Winterburn. "I said at the time that what I did was wrong but if you can't show emotion and passion you won't get anywhere.
"I'm man enough to say that what I did was wrong - and I don't believe in vendettas.
"What is the point of worrying? I'd rather pack in the game and leave West Ham than have a feud with Paolo, there is no problem between us.
"But the papers will try to stir it up, especially because of our position in the table. But I play football because I enjoy it, not to court controversy."
