Gallas set to escape action
Arsenal defender William Gallas will not face retrospective disciplinary action from the Football Association following his late tackle on Bolton’s Mark Davies in last night’s 4-2 Barclays Premier League win at Emirates Stadium, it is understood.
Trotter boss Owen Coyle labelled the challenge, which happened in the build-up to Arsenal’s crucial equaliser at the start of the second half, as “akin to assault”, leaving the midfielder with severe ligament damage, and perhaps even a break.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was quick to issue an apology if the incident was, as television replays suggest, a foul.
However, it is understood referee Alan Wiley at the time viewed the challenge as two players coming together, and so allowed play to continue, no separate disciplinary proceedings can be implemented, as the FA do not re-official matches.
Coyle was less than impressed by the challenge.
He said: “The second goal was the big turning point,” Coyle said.
“Clearly it was a foul, and closer to a red card. It was akin to assault and it changed the game.
“However, the fact is the referee has not seen it, and the lad is prostrate on the ground, and Arsenal being full of fair play as we keep hearing, have carried on scored an equaliser.
“That is hard to take.”
“I don’t want to sit here and make excuses, but I have seen red cards for less.”
