Wenger: Pires rested, not protected

ARSENE WENGER insisted Robert Pires is not being protected from a stormy reception at Fratton Park today even though the winger is being rested from Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final tie.

Pires courted controversy in the Premiership game against Portsmouth earlier this season when he went down easily after the faintest of contact from Dejan Stefanovic.

Wenger admitted it was not a penalty, even though Alan Wiley awarded a spot-kick, although he has again sought to defend Pires' reputation.