Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger Defends Under-Fire Captain Cesc Fabregas

Spanish midfielder is an 'example on the pitch' says French boss.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended club captain Cesc Fabregas in the wake of David Moyes' comments regarding the Spaniard's behaviour towards referee Lee Mason.

Moyes, who saw his side throw away a 1-0 lead to suffer defeat at the Emirates, said Fabregas made unrepeatable comments to Mason as the players went down the tunnel at half time and believes that the Arsenal captain's misdemeanour deserved a red card.

However, Wenger has defended the midfielder against his critics.

When asked whether Fabregas was possibly subject to a witch hunt, the Gunners boss replied: "Yes. We are long enough in the job to know that somebody picks on you for a while, and you are in the heat of the moment.

"But for me what is the most important is the player behaves well.

"When Cesc is on the pitch, he tries to play football - I cannot say everybody who plays against him tries to do that.

"For example, some people reproach him for not exchanging shirts with a player after the game - but I hope he will not exchange shirts with players who try to kick him for 90 minutes and then come to say 'please can I get your shirt'.

"I think that is a normal and natural reaction.

"Overall this guy is an example on the football pitch and shows you how to play football."

"People are more demanding, and Cesc has to live with that. It is not easy, but he is a very intelligent man and he will learn very quickly to cope with that.

Wenger also praised his captain for his maturity at such a tender age, reiterating his ability as a leader and a captain.

He said: "Cesc is 24 this year, he has played 250 games in the Premier League - at that age, it is absolutely remarkable.

"He has gone through a lot, difficult moments, but has always come out stronger - this guy is a fantastic leader."