Wenger Compares Manchester Derby Brawl To Sumo Wrestling, Praises ‘Regular Player’ Giroud

Reports claimed up to 30 players and officials of both sides were involved in a mass brawl after Manchester City defeated Manchester United 2-1 in their Premier League clash.

“I heard about that,” Wenger said during his pre-match press conference on Tuesdayahead of Wednesday’s Premier League trip to West Ham, when he was asked about former Arsenal player Mikel Arteta’s involvement in the incident.

“Sometimes it can happen. It’s funny because in the media, you big games up like it’s life or death and then this happens.

“It happened to us, it’s happened to them. It’s unfortunate. Ideally you would commit 100% on the pitch and be an angel after. It’s not always the case. You want to keep that passion on the pitch.

“It is difficult to take when you lose a game, to see the celebration.

“When I was in Japan, I liked sumo wrestling because you could never tell who had won. The winner never showed his happiness as there’s a deep respect for the opponent.”

Wenger then praised so-called ‘super sub’ Olivier Giroud.

“He’s not a sub, he’s a regular player,” Wenger said. “He’s a very good striker. I speak to all my players individually and it’s difficult to speak openly about those conversations.

“He’s an important player. If you look at his career, and the amount of French caps he’s won since he came here, he has not wasted his time. I can understand his frustration but that’s part of the job.”completesportsnigeria.com