Scholes: I could tackle, I was just getting revenge

FORMER Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has come clean on his reputation as a poor tackler and admitted he was “just getting people back” after being fouled himself.

The former England star was known for a perceived technical weakness in tackles. But the midfielder, who retired in the summer, admitted to BBC: “Of course I can tackle. There’s plenty of evidence of being able to tackle.

“I was just getting people back. If someone got me early in the game it was always in the back of my mind that I needed to get them back.”

Scholes added: “I didn’t always do it on purpose, some of it was just bad timing, I suppose.”

Meanwhile Tottenham and Arsenal are united in their determination to identify fans from both clubs guilty of offensive chanting during the White Hart Lane north London derby.

Spurs’ 2-1 victory over their bitter local rivals was overshadowed by abusive jeers from both sets of supporters. Sections of the home crowd taunted Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, while away supporters were condemned for mocking the deadly gun attack on the Togo team bus in January 2010 which Tottenham’s former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor survived.

Tottenham’s manager Harry Redknapp launched a stinging attack on the Arsenal fans on Sunday night, describing the chants aimed at Adebayor as “disgusting”.

Tottenham confirmed yesterday that several fans from both the home and away sections of the crowd were ejected from White Hart Lane during the game. In line with the club’s zero-tolerance policy on abusive chanting, they have also promised to ban any guilty party for life. Arsenal, meanwhile, intend to work closely with their counterparts at White Hart Lane to root out offenders.

A joint statement read: “Both clubs were extremely disappointed to hear the chants from supporters. Neither club tolerates foul language, racist chanting, homophobic chanting or any anti-social behaviour from supporters.

“We will be working closely to identify the individuals involved.”

Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes there could soon be a vacancy at Arsenal as he plots a return to the Premier League.

With Gunners boss Arsene Wenger under pressure, the 52-year-old Italian admits he would be keen on the job, although he would also consider applying at Spurs or Liverpool too.

“I have a strong will to remain in England,” Ancelotti told Italian newspaper La Repubblica. “For a coach, this is the ideal country. But I would only consider top clubs, including Tottenham and Liverpool.

“It’s evident that Wenger’s bench is wobbling and that in several months’ time, an English coach will be appointed to replace [England manager Fabio] Capello in the national team, which will free up a place in a club.”