Wenger wants ‘justice’ for Diaby

ARSENE WENGER intends to take legal advice as the Arsenal manager seeks “justice” for midfielder Abou Diaby, who is facing up to nine months out of the game following a horror tackle by Sunderland defender Dan Smith.

Diaby, 19, will now miss the Champions League final against Barcelona on May 17 after a dangerous lunge by Smith left him with a fractured and dislocated ankle. The Gunners camp were incensed by the rash nature of the challenge, which happened with Arsenal 3-0 up at the Stadium of Light with only a minute left on the clock.

Referee Dermot Gallagher showed teenager Smith — in only his fourth appearance for the Black Cats — just a yellow card, while Sunderland caretaker boss Kevin Ball maintains his defender is “not a malicious, dirty player”.