Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has branded his Premiership rivals 'petty' after their misgivings about too many Arsenal medical staff in the England set-up led to two being replaced.
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Arsene Wenger: Flummoxed
(RossKinnaird/Allsport) |
The FA admitted that some top-flight clubs were concerned about the Premiership champions attaining 'inside information' about the fitness and weaknesses of their star players.
England manager Sven Goran Eriksson replaced Arsenal doctors John Crane and Tim Sonnex with impartial Swedish specialist Leif Sward to avoid any further confrontation with club bosses.
But Wenger was furious with the decision and has leapt to the defence of Crane and Sonnex.
'I think it is petty. I can't understand how it is some clubs believe I would ask our doctors about, for instance, the state of David Beckham's toe.
'It is the same as I have never asked my players in the England group if Steve McClaren is coaching them into bad habits.
'A doctor is a doctor first and foremost...if someone has an accident tomorrow, the doctor will not ask him if he is a Manchester United or Arsenal
fan before he treats them.
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'You can understand the FA's position but there is always confidentiality and that's down to the doctor.'
Arsenal physiotherapist Gary Lewin remains in the England camp for the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign - starting October 12 with a trip to Slovakia.
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