Wenger hits back at Stoke abuse

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger brushed off the hostile reception from Stoke City fans in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

The Frenchman has been quick to criticise Stoke’s style of play in the past and the home crowd gave him a less than favourable reception, but he was keen to stress his indifference.

“They (the Stoke fans) have a relationship with me but I don’t have one with them,” Wenger told reporters.

“I personally have enough experience to cope with that, it doesn’t bother me too much.

“I don’t listen to what people chant and just think that one day football will have to address that, it’s easy to sit in the stands and incite people.

“That’s the easiest sport in the world.”

As the Gunners continued to be frustrated by a resolute Stoke defence the Frenchman became increasingly animated on the sidelines leading to mimicking in the stands and more chants aimed the Arsenal boss.

“I don’t know what they chanted,” he said.

“Everyone in life is responsible for what he says and what he does.

“My response is that I ignore what people say and I focus on football and the way my players behave on the pitch. I’m not responsible for the way people behave in the stands. If you want to stop that it’s easy to stop but I cannot influence it.”

Meanwhile, Stoke manager Tony Pulis condemned the chanting and the abuse aimed at Wenger.

“It’s very difficult for us all, I go to grounds and get abused, you have to accept it as a manager,” Pulis said.

“Should you accept it? I don’t know, you should speak to the police.

“I don’t think it’s just Arsene, it goes on. Is it acceptable? The powers that be have to decide that, not us.”

Pulis was delighted with the share of the spoils.

“I’m pleased with the point, I thought it was a good start, Crouchy’s goal is a very good, well worked goal.”

“After that I thought Arsenal were smashing, and they played as well as they’ve played at times at the Britannia.

“The second half was a lot better for us, we restricted them, and at the end we could’ve nicked another goal.”

Avoiding defeat means Stoke will end the season unbeaten at home against any of the league’s top teams – Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have also failed to win at the Britannia – a record he proudly referred to.

“It’s a great testament to the players and the football club, it’s first time since we’ve been in the Premiership that we’ve managed to do that,” Pulis said.

“I think we’ve moved on as a football club. That was our 56th game (of the season) today, we’ve played a lot of games away from home so it’s been a long, fantastic season and the players are still going.”