Wenger accepts Cole red card

Cole was shown the red card by referee Rob Styles after 72 minutes of The Gunners' 1-1 draw at Leicester City for a disgraceful two-footed lunge on Thatcher.

The England international also took his time before leaving the pitch after Styles' decision, with Wenger admitting he must accept the official's decision.

The Arsenal manager acknowledged such challenges are dangerous but refused to criticise Cole for the nasty tackle.

"The referee sent him off and I think you should ask him for his opinion," commented Wenger. "He has his reasons.

"The tackle was certainly high and the referee decided to send him off so we have to accept his verdict.

"Everybody who plays football knows it is dangerous and we don't encourage our players to do it."

Wenger did point an accusing finger at his defence for switching off in injury time to enable Leicester to snatch a point through Craig Hignett.

Gilberto Silva opened the scoring for the visitors and Wenger rued his team's failure to capitalise on their chances and return to the top of The Premiership.

"I think we dropped two points today," he added. "We have to accept that.

"I believe on the equaliser, we were not well organised and they took advantage of it.

"They won the header, and you know that's the problem they will give you in the air. If you are not always concentrated, you can be punished.

"We missed two or three chances after the goal but credit to Leicester. Our final ball was not good enough."