United not lodging complaint over red wine incident

Manchester United have decided against lodging a complaint over an incident at the Emirates Stadium which saw an Arsenal fan throw red wine at the visitors’ bench.

A fan was arrested following the incident which happened after an own-goal by Kieran Gibbs saw United take the lead in the 2-1 win on Saturday.

Arsenal have promised stiff action against the fan if he is found guilty.

United confirmed an incident took place but are happy with how Arsenal dealt with the situation and will not be making a complaint.

A United spokesman said: “There was an incident after the first goal but Arsenal’s staff and stewards acted quickly and professionally to it. Contrary to reports in today’s media, we will not be making a complaint to the FA.”

United substitute Darren Fletcher was involved in a heated exchange with fans behind the opposition bench following the incident.

An Arsenal spokesman said: “A male was arrested at the stadium for throwing an object towards the Manchester United bench after the first Manchester United goal.

“There will be full co-operation between Arsenal and the Met Police — we do not tolerate anti-social behaviour. If found guilty, the individual will also be banned by club.”

Former United manager Alex Ferguson had previously complained about the visitors’ dug-out at the Emirates being “too open” and not providing adequate protection for his players and staff.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s second largest shareholder, Alisher Usmanov, has told Arsene Wenger to start learning from his mistakes and claims the Gunners need to strengthen the entire team to compete with the best in Europe.

The Russian billionaire, who owns 30% of the club, was keen to emphasise his admiration for Wenger but believes the Frenchman is letting his principles stand in the way of Arsenal’s success.

The Gunners have lifted just one trophy in nine-and-a-half years and have made their worst start to a season since 1982.

Usmanov said: “Arsene Wenger is one of the greatest coaches, not just of European, but of world football.

“But we have a Russian proverb which goes, ‘Even an old lady can have a roof falling on her’.

“Everybody makes mistakes. He can make mistakes and I know as you age it is more difficult, more challenging to accept one’s mistakes.”

Usmanov continued: “The potential of the team is there but there is no critical evaluation of mistakes and they need to acknowledge them.

“Because no genius can retain the same level of genius if they do not acknowledge mistakes. It’s only when you admit your mistakes that you can get rid of them. I wish this to my club.”

“Nothing bad is happening apart from repeating the same high result – we keep being in the middle of the Champions League but we only lose the first play-off games.

“Some may be happy with that but as a shareholder, I am not.”