Trial by video turning refs into penguins - Vieira

Patrick Vieira has said the Football Association's video panel is in danger of turning referees into "penguins".

On the recommendation of the panel, the FA recently charged the Arsenal midfielder with misconduct for incidents involving Leeds pair Olivier Dacourt and Eirik Bakke after referee Dermot Gallagher missed the Elland Road clashes.

However, the FA announced yesterday they would not refer a horror tackle on Vieira by Carlisle's Richard Prokas to the panel because referee Steve Lodge had seen it but decided to take no action.

Lodge later admitted he would have sent Prokas off during Saturday's FA Cup tie had he seen the challenge from another angle.

And Vieira launched a passionate defence of his character, claiming he is often singled out by opponents, while warning that he thinks the role of the referee is being undermined by the video panel.

"The referee in the Leeds game said he was perfectly placed and saw what went on, and also said similar incidents happen in games all the time," said Vieira.

"But the commission watched the video of the match and decided to charge me.

"This is typical English-style stupidity. It would really stick in my throat to earn a suspension as a result, and it would also have serious implications as far as referees are concerned.

"It would call their honesty and ability into question.

"If a ref says he has seen everything and it is fine, and you get punished all the same, that is total rubbish. It is like saying referees are good for nothing beyond strutting around like penguins."

Vieira admitted he was no saint, adding: "I have deserved to be punished a few times in England.

"I have occasionally reacted badly, and I've accepted my sanction without any problems.

"But people must not just treat me like some sort of cretin.

"English players believe they are tougher than other nationalities when it comes to mental and physical strength and commitment.

"Perhaps they've realised with me that there are certain players who can live with them. They are surprised to find themselves on an equal footing to me.

"I have been disappointed and annoyed by the words, attitudes and actions of some opponents. I have reacted badly on a few occasions, and I got suspended each time.

"I have never provoked anybody, nor made a murderous challenge. The cards I've received have been because of the way I reacted to being attacked.

"Each time the person who has been defending himself has been punished, and never the aggressor."

Despite the latest controversial incident involving Vieira, the Frenchman says he has no plans to quit the Premiership.

"I am happy in England, despite these incidents which occur against players from the Premiership's average clubs. Perhaps they find it hard to accept a Frenchman being successful here."