Shut Up Vieira
By Gary Spate
August 25 2003
ARSENAL hardman Patrick Vieira has been told by the FA to shut it after he claimed that his club is being victimised because of their disciplinary problems.
The Frenchman claimed television is being unfairly used to target players after Sol Campbell was hit with a violent conduct charge.
But FA chief executive Mark Palios dismissed Vieira's claims and put together a strongly-worded statement claiming his remarks were "completely untrue".
"We refute any accusations of prejudice against any club," read the statement.
"Disciplinary rules, regulations and practices are in place across the board and must be adhered to. Any suggestion otherwise is completely untrue."
Vieira's claims come only 48 hours after Sol Campbell was charged with violent conduct following an incident during the Community Shield defeat at the hands of Manchester United, the match also saw Francis Jeffers receive a red card.
Campbell's bust-up with United's Eric Djemba Djemba could see the Gooner face a three-match ban.
Campbell was also sent off on Saturday during their Premiership game against Everton. He is facing a one-match ban for that incident.
It is believed that England boss Sven Goran Eriksson had to talk him out of retiring from international football such was his frustration with the FA.
Vieira said: "As far as I'm concerned this has happened because he is an Arsenal player. I have been where Sol is now and I know how he is feeling. As a squad of players we are already close. Now, if it is possible, we will be even closer."
Ashley Cole claimed that Arsenal are being treated unfairly: "We can't believe what is going on. No-one saw what Djemba Djemba did to Sol."
Campbell's sending off on Saturday is Arsenal's 51st red card in manager Arsene Wenger's seven year reign at Highbury.