Fergie: FA 'tickled pink' by Wenger
Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed bewilderment at Arsene Wenger's failure to turn up for his Football Association hearing into Old Trafford's 'Battle of the Buffet' yesterday.
Wenger was fined a record £15,000 and warned about his future conduct by Soho Square officials after being found guilty of branding Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat in the aftermath of Manchester United's 2-0 win which wrecked the Gunners 49-game unbeaten Premiership record.
The Frenchman's comments, which came amid chaotic scenes as Ferguson was pelted with pizza and soup outside the dressing room area at Old Trafford, sparked a serious downturn in relations between England's two major clubs, forcing United chief executive David Gill and Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein into peace talks.
United, and Ferguson in particular, has refused to enter into a public debate on the issue and today declined an invitation to speak out against Wenger for his attack on Van Nistelrooy.
Instead, the Scot limited his comments to an observation as to why Wenger requested a personal hearing, then didn't bother to attend.
"You don't like to see managers fined because it is a difficult job," said Ferguson.
"But I do find it amazing he asked for a personal hearing and never turned up. I am sure the FA were tickled pink about that."
