Pires: I am no cheat

The French international won a controversial penalty for the opening goal of the game when he was tugged back in the area by Steve Lomas for which the Irishman was sent-off.

Roeder was furious with the decision and accused Pires of conning referee Mike Dean by going down too easy under the challenge.

Pires hit back at Roeder's claims and insists he did not dive for the penalty.

"I did not dive and I am not a cheat," Pires told the London Evening Standard. "I was fouled.

"I was going through to shoot and I was fouled by his arm.

"It was a red card because he was the last defender. Maybe next time he will keep his arm in his pocket."

The game was also overshadowed by another controversial incident in the second half when Dennis Bergkamp appeared to hit out at West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer in the build-up to Arsenal's second goal.