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标题：Wenger quiet on derby 'brawl'
作者：MARK BRADLEY
期刊名称：London Evening Standard
印刷版ISSN：2041-4404
出版年度：2002
卷号：Nov 27, 2002
出版社：Associated Newspaper Ltd.

Wenger quiet on derby 'brawl'

MARK BRADLEY

ARSENE WENGER today refused to be drawn on reports that the Football Association are set to investigate an alleged tunnel brawl at Highbury after the north London derby against Tottenham.

It is said three players were involved in a fight, witnessed by police officers, after Arsenal's 3-0 victory in a bad-tempered match 11 days ago.

Wenger was asked about the incident at a press conference ahead of tonight's Champions League match in Rome but declined to comment.

Arsenal's disciplinary problems are news again after Saturday's defeat at Southampton, where Sol Campbell was sent off.

Ashley Cole is also facing a probable FA investigation and misconduct charge, with referee Paul Durkin said to be ready to report him for an "insulting and offensive" outburst after the final whistle at St Mary's stadium.

No official action has yet been taken by the FA, although Wenger said: "He (Cole) has been reported but I don't know what he's said so it's very difficult for me to judge. I will ask him what he said."

Wenger was today awaiting the results of fitness tests on goalkeeper David Seaman and defender Oleg Luzhny.

Seaman is still troubled by a groin injury and although he played in the 3-2 defeat at Southampton, the injury has flared up again. Wenger may be tempted to give Seaman a three-week break if he fails this afternoon's test.

Rami Shaaban is likely to deputise for the England keeper rather than Stuart Taylor.

Luzhny has a tight hamstring and has been able to do only some light running since Saturday.

He is also rated as doubtful.

Lauren is injured, Kolo Toure suspended and although Martin Keown is in the squad, he has played only 70 minutes of a reserve match in two months. Moritz Volz, the 19-year-old German defender, is a contender for right-back despite having only made two appearances for the Gunners, in the Worthington Cup.

The final option is to move Campbell to right-back and draft in Igors Stepanovs or Stathis Tavlaridis to partner Pascal Cygan, but Wenger us reluctant to break up the Campbell-Cygan partnership.