Al Habsi rejects cheat claims

Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has refuted Arsene Wenger’s suggestion that he ‘disrespected fans’ in their 2-1 win over Arsenal on Monday.

The Omani shot-stopper was booked late on at the Emirates Stadium for taking too long over a goal kick but has insisted he is not a cheat, and that he was simply trying to tactically relieve pressure on his side.

“When I play football I do not cheat. I used a tactic to control and contain the game,” Al Habsi told reporters.

“It’s normal when you play in big-pressure matches to control the game to take the pressure off your team.

“It’s very important for me as a goalkeeper and my team-mates in defence to do this in order to help our side.”

Despite referee Andre Marriner cautioning the 30-year-old late on in the game, Al Habsi claims the official was happy with the amount of time he was taking over goal kicks and claims he has to do it for his team.

He continued: “The ref is there to see everything and if he’s happy then so am I. I have to do it for my team.”

Monday’s win saw Wigan climb five points clear of the relegation zone due to a superb series of results that has also seen them beat Liverpool and Manchester United.