Gutierrez hits out at Van Persie

Jonas Gutierrez says Robin van Persie is ‘not a good person’ after he clashed with Tim Krul during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United.

Van Persie and fellow Dutchman Krul appeared to exchange crossed words throughout the English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on Monday.

They then engaged in a heated row when Thomas Vermaelen netted a late winner for the home team.

Newcastle’s Argentina international Guiterrez has pinned the blame for the dispute on Van Persie, calling his professionalism into question.

“I think Van Persie was wrong,” Gutierrez told The Journal.

“There was no need for him to do that – they have won the game, it is finished. I can’t understand a person like that. I think it is not right. When you feel like that, it is because you are not a good person.”

“I don’t care about the football, I’m talking about the person. When you have people who do that, it’s not right. We are all used to getting kicks, it’s a sport of contact. But when you have things like that, it is not right. It is not easy to accept.”

Gutierrez said Van Persie was the only member of the home team to engage in the dispute, and credited team-mate Krul with keeping his cool despite the alleged provocation.

“He (Van Persie) was the only Arsenal player who reacted like that. The others were saying to him, ‘calm down, calm down’,” Gutierrez said.

“When you do that, the fans go crazy as well, so it’s no good for the atmosphere of the sport. It didn’t help the game – both sets of fans are having a good evening, they’re enjoying the game.”

“He made a big mistake. I say well done to Tim for staying calm. In a second, you can lose your mind, but we have to stay focused.”

“I was pleased with Tim. You have to think of the next game and the rest of the season at that moment. It is no good to have a reaction and get a three-game ban or something like that.”