Vieira 'annoyed' by van Nistelrooy actions

Patrick Vieira has admitted he was “annoyed” and “disappointed” at the part he believes Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy played in his sending off in the infamous clash at Old Trafford in September.

The Arsenal skipper was dismissed following an altercation with the Dutchman towards the end of the fiery match after the pair had jumped for a high ball on the edge of the box.

Vieira went down as he landed, van Nistelrooy took evasive action as he thought he was going to trample on his marker, then the Frenchman appeared to kick out.

“I was annoyed at the way I feel he was acting,” Vieira said in the Daily Mail. “That’s what disappointed me because I have a big respect for him because he is a tremendous player.

“But I was disappointed in the way he acted. Maybe because I have so much respect for him that’s what made it worse for me, as well as the reaction after the game.”

He added: “We need to find a balance between people who are diving or pretending they are hurt and those who get involved.”

Vieira also paid tribute to United skipper Roy Keane’s role in the powderkeg incident.

“He said ‘Appeal, Patrick’. He was trying to help me. He saw I was really upset and he kept me out of trouble.

“He knew straight away that I didn’t deserve it. He told that it was finished and I should go off. It’s done, over.

“I was pleased it was him. I don’t think any other Manchester United player could have done it. That’s the bond between us. It’s a bond of respect.”