Scholes faces FA disciplinary dilemma

PAUL SCHOLES has shrugged off Arsenal’s complaints about Manchester United’s rough tactics in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who has seen his side’s treble hopes ended over the last four days, claimed Scholes and Roy Keane had crossed the boundary of acceptability during United’s 1-0 win.

He accused both men of an over- physical approach and was particularly annoyed by Scholes’ late lunge on Jose Reyes which earned the England midfielder a second-half booking.

Wenger said the challenge was so bad Reyes would be out for three weeks, although the Spanish striker subsequently played in Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea.

But Scholes was unmoved by Wenger’s comments and wondered what approach the Frenchman expected in such a key game.

“There are always going to be tackles in big games like that,” Scholes said.

“We are not bothered about the stuff being said. The most important thing is that we won the game and we have a Cup final to look forward to.”

Ironically, Scholes’ presence in the United line-up to play Millwall at the Millennium Stadium on May 22 will only be guaranteed by some political manoeuvring on the Red Devils’ part. The FA disciplinary hearing into

his violent conduct charge for

his apparent attack on Dorivo during the Premiership match against Middlesbrough on February 11 is not due to be heard until the week commencing April 19.

Scholes requested a personal hearing into the case and United have supplied acceptable dates to the FA.

f the case goes against him, the 29-year-old would face a three-match ban which would probably rule him out of Premiership games against Liverpool, Blackburn and Chelsea.

Under FA rules, he could appeal, although this seems unlikely because if Scholes used the required 14 days before lodging his challenge, the potential suspension dates would then run into the Cup final weekend. It is a prospect Alex Ferguson won’t find too appealing, so United may accept whatever verdict is is eventually handed down.

Meanwhile, Scholes is now concentrating on an Easter programme which sees United visiting Steve Bruce’s Birmingham before entertaining relegation-threatened Leicester on Tuesday.

Even though they trail Arsenal by 12 points, Scholes has not given up hope of United retaining the title, although it would require them to win their final eight games to have a hope.

“The league is not done and dusted.” We still have a small chance but we would have to win the rest of our games. Even if we don’t win it, we proved a few people wrong on Saturday. Most people expected Arsenal to win but we always felt we were capable of beating them.”