Arsene silent over 'brawl'

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, writes Mark Bradley.

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

Wenger was asked about it ahead of tonight's Champions League match in Rome, but declined to comment.

Arsenal's disciplinary problems stole the headlines on Saturday in the 3-2 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 difficult for me to judge. I'll 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 at Southampton, it has flared up again.

Wenger may be tempted to give the England goalkeeper a three-week break if he fails this afternoon's test. Rami Shaaban is likely to deputise.

Luzhny has a tight hamstring and is doubtful after having only done some light running since Saturday.

Lauren is injured, Kolo Toure banned and although Martin Keown is in the squad, he has played only 70 minutes of a reserve match in two months.

German defender Moritz Volz, 19, 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.

Copyright 2002
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.