Wenger backs aggressive approach of players

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended the aggressive approach of club defender Martin Keown and Leeds United striker Mark Viduka after the pair clashed at Elland Road on Sunday, saying it was what fans wanted to see.

In comments reported in the UK news media on Wednesday, Wenger said that supporters needed to witness such passion or they would not turn up to watch the game.

"I like to see these kind of fights, where both players are going for it.

"When it goes overboard, the referee has to react and punish. But when you are a supporter and pay to watch a match you want to see that kind of commitment," Wenger was quoted as saying in the Daily Express.

Keown has asked the Football Association to review an incident during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Leeds when Viduka appeared to elbow the defender in the face.

Wenger is backing Keown's stance as well as his commitment.

"If players give off the feeling that it's not important to them, why should people pay to watch them?

"Of course, it has to be fair. Viduka gave him an elbow but Martin (Keown) summed it up well after the game, saying the authorities had to decide," Wenger said.

He added: "They are physical players, not dirty players, and if you take that aggression away from a player like Martin, then they will be less efficient."