from Planetfootball.com

ARSENAL'S French winger Robert Pires has been accused of being involved in a tunnel bust-up with Newcastle United coach John Carver at the end of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at St James' Park. The Magpies coach claims that the incident occurred after Newcastle midfielder Jamie McClen tackled the Frenchman late in the game.

"All I was doing was protecting Jamie McClen, which I see as part of my job," Carver told The Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

"Pires is well-travelled and an experienced international while McClen is really just a kid."

It is the second time Pires has found himself in trouble after a flare-up with Leeds United boss David O'Leary last season.

Pires and O'Leary were involved in angry confrontation after the Irishman blew a kiss towards the French star at the end of the match and they almost came to blows.

The Newcastle incident is the latest in a long line of misdemeanours involving Arsenal players and will be another worry for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Last week Thierry Henry was banned for three matches following an unsavoury incident with referee Graham Poll after their Premiership defeat to Newcastle on December 18.

Patrick Vieira could face a ban as he goes before an FA hearing on Thursday for allegedly elbowing Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in a league game on Boxing Day.

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Answers

Pires used to seem ok, as did Henry (copyright softie) but since going to Arsenal have turned into prize wa%kers.

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

"...O'Leary...blew a kiss towards the French star at the end of the match and they almost came to blows."

Lovers' tiff?

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Hmmmm....wonder if it would throw off Pires' concentration if Big Al threw a kiss to him during the match next week. >:-)

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

A pity Henry's not playing - it might get him going. :-)

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

He wont face any disciplinary action because the referee made no mention of it in his report and he had witnessed it. Obviously handbags at 10 paces.

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002