PROKAS APOLOGISES FOR HORROR TACKLE

Vieira was the victim of a two-footed lunge by Prokas in the Gunners' FA Cup clash against Carlisle, but the referee chose not to punish the player - leaving the FA with 'no disciplinary action open.'

Adrian Bevington, speaking on behalf of the FA, said: "A representative will make it clear that we do not expect a repeat of that type of challenge."

Carlisle issued a statement on behalf of their player that stated: "Richard accepts his challenge was mistimed and would like to apologise. He will be seeking to privately speak with Patrick."

Vieira's Arsenal team-mate Dennis Bergkamp believes that his colleague needs urgent protection.

"Patrick's treatment is an issue that needs to be looked into," said the Dutch star. "I have no intention of naming names, but we know that players often set out to 'do' Patrick.

"Lots of them have openly admitted that they go into a game to try to push Patrick into a reaction. I understand that Patrick faced a similar so-called 'challenge' at Charlton.

"We often hear referees admit after a game, once they've seen an incident again on television, that a challenge made on Patrick was indeed shocking and did merit a red card. "But that doesn't help him if they don't do anything to help him on the pitch.

"Since the Liverpool game in the opening week of the season, Patrick hasn't been booked once.

"If you look at the provocation, the abuse and even the racism that he has had to endure during that time, it's a tribute to him that he has kept his head.

"Why don't people praise him for this with the same volume that they criticise him when he has lost his head?

"That challenge on Saturday was ridiculous. If Patrick's leg hadn't been moving he would have been in serious trouble.

"In fact, it could have meant Patrick's career was over. It was totally unnecessary and cynical."