Pires was separated from Newcastle assistant manager John Carver after the final whistle on Saturday following a heated exchange.

Pires became involved in a last-minute battle with Newcastle midfielder Jamie McClen, whom he pursued off the pitch after having his heels clipped in the dying seconds.

Carver stepped in as the pair reached the touchline and pushed Pires aside.

A police officer then moved in between the pair and Arsenal striker Dennis Bergkamp to prevent the row escalating in the tunnel.

A Newcastle source said: 'It was something out of nothing but John felt it was only right that Jamie was protected, especially after having such a fine game.'

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Answers

Bloody Arsenal - they don't like it up em!

They dish it out but if anyone dares to clip them, foul them, generally play them at their own game - they kick off.

Their arrogance is appalling - we saw what they were like at Highbury when we beat them - it was as if they didn't think we should be allowed to win!

God I hope we beat them there again.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

I still think Bergkamp should be up on video evidence of him kicking Given. Ban him for the replay.

If we can get Pires up on disrepute charges as well and get him a one game ban for the replay who knows what might happen.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

I watched Pire's pathetic antics very closely as they went off. It is to his great credit that Jamie Mcclen chose to ignore him - rather than just decking the soft pillock!

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

One thing, on Saturday, Shay got the ball off Ljungberg (sp??) and the latter saluted Shay a) to say "well done" for what was a great bit of keeping but also b) to say, "no foul". I'm not sure what he did to warrant the later abuse he got, but I thought this was really sporting from him.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002