Champions League: Wenger plays down Henry fracas

Arsene Wenger attempted to cool the situation after Thierry Henry had been involved in a slanging match with Panathinaikos players after Arsenal lost 1-0 in Athens.

Arsene Wenger attempted to cool the situation after Thierry Henry had been involved in a slanging match with Panathinaikos players after Arsenal lost 1-0 in Athens.

Wenger denied a tussle broke out in the tunnel following the Champions League game.

Wenger said: "Not a lot happened!

"We're just upset, maybe they were being provocative. Nothing more."

Wenger was disappointed his side failed to earn even a draw.

"We came back in the game in the second half and should have come back to 1-1," added the Frenchman.

Wenger could not resist a jibe at the 'professionalism' of the Greek side.

"They tried to gain time, they dived," he said. "It was the usual thing you expect."

Henry admitted he "went mad" at the final whistle but blamed it on Panathinaikos' "disgraceful attitude."

He said: "I've never lost it before like that. The worst thing about it was that Michaelson was laughing.

"What they did was disgraceful. It was too much. I got a two-footed tackle but just got on with the game but every time we tackled they went down."

Wenger accepts that the Gunners' away form in Europe is a major concern, but he insists he has not given up hope of qualifying for the second group stage.

"I'm concerned about the goal we conceded. We have to defend better," he said.

"It is also a concern that we've lost six of our last seven away games in Europe, but other teams have bad records, like Juventus, who have not won away for two and a half years.

"We must win our two remaining home games now and I think we have the ability to do it. We can still get second place because not even Panathinaikos are qualified yet."

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium How they rated: Kai Havertz stands tallest as Arsenal recover from extraordinary Raya error to clinch crucial three points
Glebe North FC v Ringmahon Rangers FC - FAI Intermediate Cup Final 2023/24 Glebe take spoils but Ringers fume over late penalty shout
Dundee v Celtic - cinch Premiership - Scot Foam Stadium Celtic boss Rodgers hails brilliant Forrest
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited