Arsene Wenger wants UEFA to take strict action against Real Madrid
Even though Arsene Wenger has termed Real Madrid’s tactics as horrible, but admits there have been times, when the idea of asking his players to get themselves booked has crossed his mind. However, at the same time he insisted
he would never think about it after seeing Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho do it.
Real were charged with improper conduct by UEFA on Thursday. They were under investigation into the events of Tuesday. The referee dismissed two Madrid players in the dying minutes of the game when the Spanish giants were coasting
through a 4-0 victory.
It seemed odd at the time since nobody was expecting such drama from a game that was already over. There was no need of wasting time; however, it was revealed later that was not the case. In fact, it was on manager Jose Mourinho’s
orders that the players got their yellow cards. The Portuguese instructed defensive midfielder Xabi Alonso and fullback Sergio Ramos to pick up their 2nd yellow cards so that they could wipe out their yellow cards from the knockout stage further
in the competition.
Wenger has asked UEFA to punish Real Madrid and manager Jose Mourinho for showing unsporting character during the game. The Club, including the manager and the players, could face hefty fines and suspension if they are found guilty.
The Frenchman is confident that UEFA will put sanctions and give the appropriate punishment. He believes this incident has tarnished the image of the game worldwide.
He said, "I respect Real Madrid for their quality and for what they are doing, but whether it's them or somebody else, you don't want to see that on the football pitch.”
He further added, “You want to respect people who pay money to watch a game. What do they want? To watch a football game, not to watch these kind of things. You don't want to accept that."
Now, there is enough proof available through television and photographic images. The manager and the players were seen in a series of whispers. First, it was Mourinho talking to substitute keeper Jerzy Dudek on the bench then the
latter was seen with Iker Casillas and finally Casillas was seen whispering in fullback Sergio Ramos’s ear.
In Wenger’s eyes, the proof is clear and vivid in the video footage. He says that if you look in the television it looks horrible and it should be enough for anyone not to repeat it.
It is a possibility that the Gunners might face the Spanish giants in the knockout stage if they fail to top their group. Looking at their recent poor form it seems to be more than possible. Wenger’s team has already lost to Shakhtar
Donetsk and Braga in two successive matches.
Jermain Defoe has also appreciated UEFA’s initiative and said in his tweet that although Mourinho is a top coach, but this kind of thing cannot continue in the future.
Spurs and Manchester United have already qualified for the next stage, but could also face Madrid if Mourinho’s team surrenders the top spot in their final group match.
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