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Football

Row over Old Trafford 'food fight'


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United's Van Nistelrooy accepts his punishment after FA charge

LONDON, England -- The English Football Association has launched an inquiry into the aftermath of Sunday's controversial clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, when an Arsenal player was alleged to have thrown soup and pizza at United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Football Association officials want to hear from police who were in the dressing room corridor when that alleged incident occurred following United's 2-0 win.

"We will be looking to gather information from different sources," an FA spokesman said.

The incident was missed by referee Mike Riley and his assistants and will not be mentioned in the official's report to the FA.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he did not see any food being thrown in the tunnel after the match.

And the Frenchman, asked by the FA to explain post-match comments about Van Nistelrooy, denied labeling the Dutch striker a cheat.

"I cannot deny what I did not say," Wenger said.

On Tuesday van Nistelrooy accepted a charge of serious foul play for a tackle on Arsenal defender Ashley Cole with his studs, and will serve a three-match ban.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy has decided to accept the FA's charge of misconduct relating to the incident with Ashley Cole," United said.

"Ruud has accepted the automatic penalty of a three-match suspension and Manchester United fully supports Ruud's decision."

The Dutchman said he accepted responsibility for the incident but added that he had not intended to hurt Cole.

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Ferguson wore a complete change of clothing for television interviews

"Throughout my 10-year career I believe my disciplinary record is very good, not only for Manchester United but at all clubs," Van Nistelrooy said.

"I accept the charge brought by the FA and I take full responsibility.

"There was no deliberate intent to harm Ashley Cole and I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to him."

Referee Riley was also criticized by Wenger for his handling of the match and for awarding a debatable penalty which gave United a 1-0 lead.

"I don't feel he had enough authority on the game," Wenger said." Jose Antonio Reyes has been kicked off the park.

"I don't question his (the referee's) honesty, but he didn't protect well enough the spirit of the game.

"When you have a game like that shown in 75 countries... it was a bad promotion for English football."

Arsenal were fined and four players banned after the equivalent fixture last season when Van Nistelrooy was pushed around after missing a penalty. This time Wenger said United were in the wrong.

"Man United did not play with the spirit we like to play (with)," he said.


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