Wenger defends tackling stance

ARSENE WENGER is surprised by the criticism he has received from Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce and Stoke boss Tony Pulis, but vowed to continue speaking out against over-the-top tackles.

Allardyce accused Wenger of trying to influence referees with some of his comments in the media, while Pulis said the Frenchman was “out of order” for claiming that some of the challenges in Stoke’s match against Aston Villa were tantamount to rugby.

However, the Frenchman, 61 next month, insists all coaches should be “on the same wavelength” when it comes to ridding the game of X-rated tackles.