august 18th
07.34 – More disciplinary problems for Arsenal are on the way as referee Mark Halsey has reported Thierry Henry for his goal celebration. After scoring the opener from the penalty spot, Henry took his shirt off, threw it in the air, apparently blew a kiss and ran to celebrate in front of the Everton fans – who naturally didn’t appreciate it.
Halsey says “In running towards the fans his actions sparked a bit of aggravation and I’m reporting him to the FA for his goal celebration. They explained to me that [Henry claimed] when he blew a kiss it was aimed at his family who sit in boxes above that end of the ground, but perhaps his family should move away from that area.”
Henry said “Why should I be in trouble for that? I don’t know anything about this. It was just my normal celebration. I have done that so many times before” while Arsene Wenger said “I will talk to Thierry because it is better to celebrate on our side as it’s less dangerous. I don’t feel there is anything for the FA to investigate. Maybe someone at the FA should just watch our games and nobody else’s.”
Perhaps Mr Halsey would like to take a part-time job as hospitality manager at Arsenal and arrange non-provacative seating for Arsenal player’s families. Anyway, no doubt a ban will ensue for Thierry. However, given our recent past with the FA, it should be made clear to the players that from now on they can’t give the Soho Squares even the slightest cause to charge us with anything. Yes, we’ve been on the wrong end of some decisions by the FA, but ask any fan from any team and they’ll tell you the same thing. We’ve got to keep our heads, not react in an unprofessional way and just concentrate on winning football matches.
As reported yesterday, Jermaine Pennant will join Leeds today on a two month loan deal. I suppose 2 months of first team Premiership football can’t hurt him, I just wonder if he’ll want to come back to Arsenal to sit on the bench occassionally and play for the stiffs. We’ll just have to trust AW on this one.
The Guardian are serialising a new Arsene Wenger biography (Wenger: The Making of a Legend – Jasper Rees) this week. Here’s part 1. I’m trying to get hold of a couple of copies to give away, so if the wonderfully nice publishers can sort me out, I’ll let you know later in the week.
Ok, that’s yer lot. It’s off to work I go.
