Wenger rejects Platini criticism

Sep 24 2008

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his stance over video technology and opinions on the game's finances after an attack by UEFA president Michel Platini.

The former France captain slammed Wenger in an interview with Grenoble daily Dauphine Libere, for having a business mentality rather than a football one - and he also tore into the Gunners boss for calling for the introduction of video replays to rule on questionable refereeing decisions.

However, speaking after Tuesday night's 6-0 Carling Cup thrashing of Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium, Wenger maintained: "I do not especially see any problem with what I said. Of course I am for video. Am I for the fact that a club's resources are well managed? Of course."

He added: "I have a commitment when you sign contracts you want to be able to pay players at the end of the month.

"For the rest, I never really understand this 'football business'.

"For me, football is on the pitch and business is with the accountants."

In Platini's interview, Wenger's name was raised during a question about the introduction of video technology.

"I like to talk about football, him (Wenger) about business. We must stop with Wenger and all that," he replied.

Platini then said he hoped video assistance would never come into football, adding: "It would make me happy that Arsene Wenger never sees it."