Wenger calls for more protection for “arrogant” Ronaldo

Arsene Wenger has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is paying the price of his own arrogance when he gets targetted for rough treatment from opponents.

But the Arsenal manager still believes that deserves better protection from match officials. Wenger thinks reckless tackles are on the rise in the Premier League and he fears for the likes of United’s Portuguese star.

“Sometimes I feel Manchester United get too much protection and sometimes they don’t get enough and Ronaldo is a specific example of that,” Wenger said.

“Sometimes his arrogance is provocative – and his class as well.

“But when a player is not protected it’s not right. When there is a bad tackle you have to be punished and get sent off the pitch.”

Ronaldo was involved in a tunnel dust-up with Newcastle’s Steven Taylor during United’s 2-1 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday, the fracas having been triggered by a challenge from Taylor out on the pitch.

Recent weeks have also seen Wigan’s Lee Cattermole red carded for an x-rated lunge at West Ham’s Scott Parker while Everton’s Victor Anichebe will miss the rest of the season as a result of Kevin Nolan’s two-footed tackle on January 22.

Wenger wants to see bans of up to 10 matches introduced for guilty players, claiming three matches is not enough when the victims can be sidelined for so long.

“They could create a special committee to analyse if three games suspension is enough or not,” he said. “I feel in some tackles 10 games is not enough.”

Wenger meanwhile is looking forward to seeing Theo Walcott back in the first time. The England winger has recovered from a shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined since November and will be in the Gunners squad for Sunday’s delayed FA Cup fifth round tie against Burnley, at the Emirates.

Kolo Toure is ruled out by a calf problem but fellow defender William Gallas is fit again after an ankle injury.

Burnley will be below full strength because on-loan defender Rhys Williams has been refused permission to play by his parent club Middlesbrough, who are still involved in the competition.