Angry Vieira defends Seaman

FURIOUS Patrick Vieira last night led the Arsenal onslaught against the vilification of David Seaman as Arsene Wenger revealed his goalkeeper was ready to accept his enforced international retirement.

Gunners skipper Vieira made the unusual request to meet journalists yesterday to vent the anger of "the whole team" over the media and supporters' treatment of Seaman after his howler against Macedonia on Wednesday.

And as Vieira admitted he would consider quitting the French team if he endured similar treatment to Seaman, his boss Wenger disclosed that his keeper was prepared for Sven-Goran Eriksson's verdict on his future as England's number one in the wake of conceding a goal direct from a corner in England's Euro 2004 qualifier against Macedonia midweek.