FA Justice - An Oxymoron?

Old Holic is not a happy bunny this morning. As expected the amateurs that run the FA, having not acted on the Mourinho slur of a week ago, have charged Arsene Wenger with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute following his comments after the Carling Cup final.

The Gunners boss was asked to explain his claim "the whole system is not honest", in reference to the disciplinary procedures of the FA, and suggestions the assistant referee "lied" in his report over the brawl which marred the end of the game with Chelsea in Cardiff.

Arsenal lost Toure, Adebayor and Eboue to suspension following the melee, while the club were also charged with failing to control their players, and could be fined as a result. Strange that Chelsea have been involved in two fracas’ since that fateful day, yet further charges have not followed.

Wenger has until March 30 to respond which seems a bit odd given that he has already been asked to explain his point of view, and that explanation has led to these charges. It seems to me that they have already decided the outcome.

Also acting as judge and jury on Arsene yesterday was Raymond Domenech, the manager of the French national team who cannot do without Thierry Henry, even for the most meaningless of friendlies immediately after a World Cup campaign. Apparently Inspector Clouseau’s cousin is ‘tiring’ of Wenger. Well you’ve exhausted one of the worlds supreme talents Raymond, so don’t talk to us about ‘tiring’.

Wenger will have defender Kolo Toure available again following a three-match domestic suspension for this weekend’s trip to Everton. Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky should also appear. However, full-backs Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) and Gael Clichy (hamstring) are struggling for fitness.

This would appear to be the last chance of Theo Walcott featuring as he is due to have an operation on a troublesome shoulder socket. It’s been a mixed year for Theo, but his impressive performance, and clinically taken goal, in the Carling Cup Final hints at better things for him next term.

I’m dropping the pre-approval of the comments for a trial period (i.e until the comments are filled with links to dubious pharmaceutical supplies!) Feel free to vent your spleen should that be your wish.

Have a good weekend everyone, and make sure you are wrapped up somewhere warm on Sunday night when the predicted freeze returns. Global warming my arse!