Irwin critical of Wenger 'insult'
Former Irish international and Manchester United legend Denis Irwin has branded Arsene Wenger’s defence of his players following Sunday’s Old Trafford fracas “an insult to people’s intelligence”.
Irwin was involved in the on-pitch scuffle between the sides in 1990 when the Gunners were deducted two points and United one.
And, while the defender does not believe the teams will receive similar sanctions this time, he has earmarked Lauren, Martin Keown and Ray Parlour for suspension.
In addition, Irwin, who left Old Trafford for current club Wolves at the start of last season, thinks Wenger, who has since blamed the media for blowing the whole issue out of all proportion, should stop defending the indefensible.
“Manchester United and Arsenal are the two best teams in England and the match was being played in front of a worldwide audience,” the veteran full-back told MUTV.
“When something like that happens, the Football Association has to be seen to be doing something.
“Arsenal overstepped the mark with the reaction to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s initial challenge on Patrick Vieira and while you like to protect players, you can over-protect them.
“There should have been a statement from the Arsenal camp admitting they had over-reacted. What Arsene said was an insult to people’s intelligence.”
Irwin was fined two weeks’ wages for his part in the 1990 brawl, which was sparked when Nigel Winterburn caught him with a vicious high tackle.
And he is predicting similar penalties against those involved on Sunday.
“Lauren, Keown and Parlour should be banned for three to four matches each, the others will maybe get big fines,” he said.
