Chelsea 'scandalous' says Domenech

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PARIS, France -- France coach Raymond Domenech called Chelsea "scandalous" on Tuesday after the London club claimed defender William Gallas threatened to score an own goal to force a move from Stamford Bridge.

"It's a shame that Chelsea can say, think, or even imagine that Gallas would betray his team-mates during a game," Domenech told reporters at France's Clairefontaine base.

"It's scandalous. William has proved over the years that he is loyal to his team-mates. But I repeat, it's scandalous."

Gallas, now with Arsenal, denied the accusations earlier on Tuesday, accusing the Premier League champions of "having lots of money -- but no style".

The central defender, a key member of the France team that reached the World Cup final, is preparing for Wednesday's Euro 2008 clash against world champions Italy.

Gallas was sold to Arsenal last Thursday in exchange for England left back Ashley Cole and five million pounds ($9.52 million).

"I was adamant in my will to leave Chelsea, this is true," Gallas said in a statement to sports daily L'Equipe on Tuesday.

"But I'm surprised and shocked by Chelsea's comments. I never said that I would score an own goal if I had to play for Chelsea," he said.

"Some people are trying to explain my move (to Arsenal) thanks to cranky reproaches instead of assuming their own responsibilities in front of their fans," Gallas said.

"I have spent five years with Chelsea. I always gave the best of myself and I always proved that I had a great respect for the colours I wore. All this is really mean from Chelsea.

"But it doesn't surprise me as it comes from the club's new officials. Even if these people have a lot of money they lack style," he said.

In a statement, the London-based side blamed the speedy defender for refusing to play before the first game of the season against Manchester City despite there being no available replacements for him.

"He went on to threaten that if he was forced to play, or if he was disciplined and financially punished for his breach of the rules, that he could score an own goal or get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes," the statement added.

Gallas, who joined Chelsea from Olympique Marseille in 2001, played 225 league and cup matches for the club but asked to leave in May.

He angered team manager Jose Mourinho when he failed to report for pre-season training on Chelsea's tour of the United States.

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