Wenger refuses to apologise for Pardew bust-up

ARSENE WENGER has refused to apologise for his recent confrontation with Alan Pardew on the Upton Park touchline and has claimed he was provoked by the West Ham manager’s “disrespectful behaviour”.

Both men are currently facing Football Association misconduct charges as a result of the melee on November 5, which saw Wenger engage Pardew in a shoving and shouting match in the wake of Marlon Harewood’s late winning goal.

Arsenal and West Ham have 10 days to decide whether to appeal the charges, which carry the threat of a heavy fine or, more significantly, a touchline ban if upheld by a disciplinary commission.