Ferguson 'slap' irks Wilshere

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has hit out at Birmingham’s Barry Ferguson for allegedly slapping Laurent Koscielny on the head after Obafemi Martins’ late Carling Cup final winner.

Blues players ran across the Arsenal six-yard box to celebrate with Martins after he had taken advantage of an error involving Koscielny and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny at Wembley yesterday.

Television replays appeared to show Ferguson making contact with Koscielny while he was on his knees after his blunder handed the trophy to Alex McLeish’s side.

England midfielder Wilshere posted on Twitter: “Well done to the Birmingham City player who slapped Koscielny on the head when they scored, very big of you!”

Birmingham are aware of the incident and Wilshere’s comments and are expected to respond later today.

Blues players had earlier vented their anger at Koscielny for a reckless challenge on Lee Bowyer which earned him a yellow card from referee Mike Dean.

It was a day to forget for Koscielny, who was outjumped by Birmingham defender Roger Johnson to set up the first goal for Nikola Zigic.