Wenger asked to explain comments

The Football Association has asked Arsene Wenger to explain his comments about the Carling Cup final match officials.

Arsenal players Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor were sent off in the closing stages along with Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel after a scuffle.

All three players face bans and Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has also been charged. Wenger said: "The whole system is not honest."

He also claimed an assistant referee alleged Adebayor had punched Chelsea player Frank Lampard, but the Gunners boss says he has watched replays of the incident and cannot spot the player using his fists.

An FA spokesman said: "Questioning the integrity of a match official and accusing them of lying is a very serious claim to make as it questions the whole integrity of the game.

"We also reject any accusations of bias or dishonesty within our disciplinary system. We will be asking Arsene Wenger to explain these comments."

The FA also denied Wenger's claim.

In a statement, the FA said: "Contrary to Wenger's allegations, the assistant referee's report does not claim that Adebayor punched Frank Lampard.

"The report states that Adebayor's attitude was aggressive, that he shoved into Ricardo Carvalho and that he aimed a punch at Lampard. It does not state that Adebayor struck Lampard.

"Adebayor was sent off for violent conduct on Sunday. His claim for wrongful dismissal was rejected by a disciplinary commission on Tuesday."

"He was also charged with reacting aggressively and failing to leave the field of play immediately after being sent off.

"He denied the charge and will have a personal hearing on Tuesday 6 March."

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