Stoke City: Shawcross hits back in latest Wenger row
RYAN Shawcross has told Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to get his facts right before accusing him of fouling opposition players.
Wenger claimed both the Stoke skipper and his team-mate Robert Huth had repeatedly fouled Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes during last month's Premier League game at the Britannia.
He said the defenders were acting more like rugby players than footballers and accused Shawcross of kicking Gomes.
Shawcross, who was also criticised by Wenger in February after the challenge which broke Aaron Ramsey's leg, hit back by saying: "I don't mind people having their opinions, but if it's not a game involving his players then I don't see the point of bringing up me and Huthy.
"I've watched the video again and at no point did I go anywhere near Gomes.
"I didn't think I had, but I didn't want to say I hadn't touched him before looking at the video to make sure."
Shawcross, whose tackling was first criticised by Wenger after Stoke beat Arsenal two years ago, said: "He's obviously got something against me. It's just weird.
"He seems to have a problem with Stoke, our manager and certain players.
"Criticism doesn't bother me, unless it's a false accusation like this one.
"It's just disappointing he came out and said something that wasn't needed.
"He could have said there was a problem week-in, week-out in the Premier League, but he shouldn't have named individuals."
Stoke complained to the FA, the Premier League and Arsenal about Wenger.
Arsenal removed the comments from their website, but the FA decided against taking action.
9 Comments
by Phil, stoke on trent
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 1:53PM
“Aw c'mon all you stokies. Have you never heard 'sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me'. Shawcross has played into wengers hands, he's got the response he wanted. Wenger has a go at anyone he sees as a threat, you should all be happy about that. Let him get on with it.”
by Vince, Malaysia
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 5:06AM
“Long throw, long ball, pushing and hard body contact, it sound more like rugby for me.
Shawcross make few sliding tackle in midfield this season,(exclude the 1 he made on Ramsey last season). Top centre defender don't make sliding tackle in midfield if it's not necessary, but this fella like making it for fun... Maybe he got instruction from T.Pulis or he just an idiot...”
by geoff, Shropshire
Monday, September 06 2010, 5:36PM
“I dont know why we get involved with the stupid frustrated old man at Arsenal , I think they should just let him stew in his own slime. I am sure Shawcross and Pulis will be about in the Premier long after this opology for a manager that has brainwashed his pretty boys. It proves it he has resort to lying and scheming, a bit live very young kids at school, it a sad old day when this has to come into football. Perhaps if all the teams in the premier lie down and let Arsenel beat everyone he will be happy and perhaps we wont hear from him again. This man they call a manager appalls me and it speaks for itself how the FA doesn't do annything about him .”
by gb, Shropshire
Monday, September 06 2010, 5:26PM
“I dont know about Ryan plying proper football. Perhaps Vince should learn to write proper english before he contributes to this site .”
by Tom, Folkestone
Monday, September 06 2010, 5:21PM
“I agree with stoke oracle. The back line is a concern and Shawcross' play has dropped off. The full back positions are a worry too. Huth looks slow and is exposed on wider pitches than The Brit and I don't rate Collins' positional play at left full back. I'd much rather see Higgy at left back and maybe Marc Wilson or Wilko at right back. However, I also believe a few positive results will settle everyone down. The new squad additions are exciting and I think we'll be a better team going forwad this year. Great times to be a Stokie!”
by JonG, Woking
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:29PM
“Vince,
By that do you mean playing football the Arsenal way?
http://playfootballthearsenalway.wordpress.com/”
by stoke oracle, stoke
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:24PM
“Truth be told Shawcross has'nt played well this season so far.
In fact I think that back four looks weak.
Mainly because of Pulis's selection and playing players out of position
But I do think Shawcross has made some poor tackles in these first 3 games. Not the player he was end of last season before that tackle!
I would even go so far as to put him on the bench and put Huth in the centre.”
by James, Sunny Stoke
Monday, September 06 2010, 12:12PM
“Vince, seriously? the " play proper football " line gets abit old, if we wernt playing football, we wouldn't be a footballing team, let alone be in the premier league, and he has the right to defend himself after wenger verbally attacked him.”
by Vince, Malaysia
Monday, September 06 2010, 11:10AM
“No class from this felle... He should just prove himself on the football field but not response to any comment on him. Talking is the job for a manager but never the player. Look at Paul Scholes who also mentioned him has a darkside in his football, but he never response but Alex F did, this is how the EPL run. Btw, Shawcross played sucks in the first 3 games in the Premier League, made unnecessary tackles and given penalty, luckily he is in Stoke otherwise he will be dump before the season start. Shut up and play proper football!”