Vieira says FA have it in for Arsenal as Campbell sins again

PATRICK VIEIRA has accused the Football Association of displaying an anti-Arsenal bias as he leapt to the defence of Sol Campbell.

Vieira effectively claimed Campbell was only charged with retaliation against Eric Djemba-Djemba during the Community Shield because he is an Arsenal player.

Campbell's frustration at his recent disciplinary plight, with a four-game ban at the end of last season followed by a red card against Everton and this latest misconduct charge was such that he demanded a meeting with FA bosses earlier this week.

With Sven-Goran Eriksson in attendance, Campbell, who was angered at the lack of a hearing for his appeal against his ban last season, made his feelings clear to new FA chief executive Mark Palios. It proves the FA are prepared to at least listen to the views of a leading England international.

The Arsenal captain said: "If it had been a player at another club, I don't think this would have happened. It is no surprise to me that they have charged him, but the club and everyone will be with him."

Arsenal have declared their intention to 'vigorously' defend Campbell against the charge.

Alex Ferguson has always accused Arsenal of having undue influence at the FA, especially with David Dein being the vice-chairman of both the Gunners and the governing body.

Arsenal players have received 51 red cards under Arsene Wenger, but there is a persistent feeling at Highbury that they are somehow being targeted.

Ashley Cole insisted Djemba-Djemba should have been charged for his dangerous tackle on Campbell in the first place.

However, that ignores the rules which state if the referee saw the incident as Steve Bennett did with Djemba-Djemba's original challenge but not Campbell's retaliation the FA cannot later intervene.

It also overlooks the fact that the FA were obliged to pass the incident to the independent video advisory panel of former referees, managers and players, and were merely following that panel's recommendation in charging Campbell.

Campbell, meanwhile, is left facing the possibility of another four-game ban and that, for Arsenal, with Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle to face in the next two months, is the real problem.

The FA have rejected Vieira's claims as 'completely untrue'.