Shawcross accuses Wenger of ‘weird vendetta’

Stoke City centre-back Ryan Shawcross has hit back at criticism from Arsene Wenger, and accused the Arsenal manager of holding a personal vendetta against him.

His comments come after Wenger accused Shawcross and his teammate Robert Huth of acting like rugby players in Stoke's August match-up with Tottenham, and claimed they deliberately fouled Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

It is not the first time the pair have crossed swords. Shawcross broke the leg of young Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey in February - an injury the Welsh starlet has yet to come back from. And that reckless challenge drew fierce criticism from Wenger, even though a contrite and tearful Shawcross was red carded.

But even before then there was controversy, as Wenger suggested the defender committed a "deliberate" foul on Emmanuel Adebayor in 2008.

"He's obviously got something against me. It's just weird," said Shawcross. "He seems to have a problem with Stoke, our manager and certain players. Criticism doesn't bother me, unless it's a false accusation like this one.

"It's just disappointing he came out and said something that wasn't needed. He could have said there was a problem week-in, week-out in the Premier League, but he shouldn't have named individuals."

Shawcross said he was mystified by the comments about Spurs: "I don't mind people having their opinions but if it's not a game involving his players then I don't see the point of bringing up me and Huthy.

"I've watched the video again and at no point did I go anywhere near Gomes."

Wenger had originally said: "You cannot say it is football any more. It is more rugby on the goalkeepers than football. When you see the way Shawcross kicked Heurelho Gomes, how Robert Huth pushed Gomes in the goal, you cannot say that is football any more."

Stoke manager, Tony Pulis, was so enraged at Wenger's comments he wrote letters of complaint to the Premier League and Football Association.

He said: "The club is desperately disappointed with the comments which Wenger has come out with, especially the comments about Shawcross. We think they are out of order and you don't expect it from a person of Wenger's esteem. What he said about Ryan was very, very poor and the football club will take that matter up. The club will deal with it in the right and proper manner."

However the FA have decided that Wenger has no case to answer. The Stoke manager now faces a long wait for a chance at retribution as the two will not come come face to face again until the 18th of December at the Emirates stadium.

One man who could also feature in that match is Aaron Ramsey who is slated to return to action in October. ·