Wenger: The decision is a disgrace, we'll contest it

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
26 Aug	7:45 PM	CL	Celtic (H)	3	1	Win

Manager Arsène Wenger has branded the decision from UEFA to charge striker Eduardo with 'deception' as a 'disgrace'. A panel studying video replays made the decision today to charge the Brazilian over his 'simulation' in the match between Arsenal and Celtic in mid-week.

The Frenchman also said that the media were partly to blame for the circus surrounding the Eduardo incident, and in a week when football should really be focusing on the hooliganism in the Milwall and West Ham match, the perspective is difficult to understand.

Wenger said: "It singles out a player to be a cheat and that is not acceptable. We will not accept the way UEFA have treated this.

"I believe you can debate whether it is a penalty or not. But this charge implies that with intent and with a desire to cheat the referee, Eduardo did act.

"Having seen again the pictures, nothing is conclusive on that.

"He's been charged, not charged guilty. We'll defend our player, of course. It is completely [a] lack of logic in this case. Why? Because people have reacted emotionally, which I can understand.

"Secondly, because this case has been ruled by the media."

The irony of the decision is that the referee had consulted his linesman before making the decision to award the penalty. Has a video panel completely overruled the decision made by match officials?

We've also received several comments from readers saying that FIFA are unwilling to introduce video technology as it would remove the human aspect of the game. If true, it is an incredible reason as video technology would have prevented the media circus around the incident.

When sports like Formula 1 and tennis are embracing technology on all levels, it is yet a clear demonstration of how the people in charge of looking after the beautiful game are still stuck in the dark ages.

Pathetic.

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