FA Considers Wenger Comments

The Football Association is assessing Arsene Wenger's controversial post-match comments about referee Rob Styles' handling of Chelsea's victory at Highbury.

Wenger implied that Styles and his assistant were siding with Chelsea after Robin van Persie had a first-half goal ruled out for offside in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Highbury.

After television pictures showed van Persie had received the ball in an onside position and the goal should have stood, Wenger said: "We scored a regular goal but the referee made a very bad decision.

"I associate the referee and linesmen in the same team - the Chelsea team."

Now the FA is considering asking the Frenchman to explain his comments - though Wenger may avoid disciplinary action for the comments, which he would be likely to maintain were ironic, rather than accusing Styles of impartiality.

Wenger also claimed Styles was not brave enough to send off Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, who appeared to elbow Arsenal defender Lauren in the mouth but was only booked.

"It was just in front of the dugout and the referee was not brave enough to make the decision, but it was a straight red card in my opinion," said Wenger.

However, the FA can look into neither that challenge nor two tackles by Philippe Senderos, both of which Mourinho felt should have warranted a red card, as they were dealt with by the match officials at the time.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson has branded Mourinho a "bully" after the war of words between the Chelsea manager and Wenger re-erupted in the wake of the match. Mourinho also failed to shake hands with his Arsenal counterpart.

"I think a lot of people will enjoy it when he tumbles and stumbles. At the moment, he is a little bit of a bully," said Wilson.

"I have talked to guys who work for Mourinho and they say he is absolutely fantastic but you cannot do as he is doing in not shaking hands.

"At this moment, Chelsea are the best team in the country and that's credit to the players and the coaches that surround them. But what I'm upset about, and what I don't like, is the arrogance he has."