henry and reyes likely to miss f.a cup final

[Amjid Javed]

( ( both injured in training! not playing today!

[ImranR]

I can still see arsenal winning

[Jameel]

Vieira hits out at Keane comments

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has stoked up his rivalry with Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane before they meet in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Vieira has accused Keane of deserting the Republic of Ireland at the 2002 World Cup when he left the squad after a bust-up with manager Mick McCarthy.

Keane apparently condemned Senegal-born Vieira's choice to play for France.

Vieira told The Guardian: "For someone who leaves his team in the World Cup - he should keep the remark to himself."

Vieira heads a charity called Diambars, which helps children in Senegal.

And Keane is believed to have questioned his rival's decision to play for France when the pair clashed in the Highbury tunnel before United beat Arsenal 4-2 in February.

After the match, Keane is reported as saying: "It makes me laugh, players going on about how they are saving this country and saving that country but when they have the opportunity to play...well, it's probably none of my business."

It is better for him to look after himself and what he's doing

Vieira on Keane

Vieira incurred Keane's wrath in the tunnel for seemingly targeting United defender Gary Neville.

Vieira added: "He does not know my background and I do not want him to make a comment like that because he is not in a good position to say something like that.

"I will not say I intimidated Neville, I would say I tried to make a point.

"He reacted the way I would react if somebody came to talk to one of the Arsenal players - that's what I would expect.

"It did not surprise me at all, it was a captain's, a leader's reaction. I have big respect for him and all the Manchester United players, no doubt about it."

The pair have a long history of flashpoints and Vieira's remarks are set to increase the tension between the two ahead of the FA Cup final.

"I have nothing to prove to him," said Vieira. "He is not from Senegal, he is not from Africa, he will not understand.

"So it is better for him to look after himself and what he is doing.

"Even saying what I have just said does not take away the respect I have for him as a player.

"When I came to England he was the one I was looking forward to playing against because he is the best in the business in his position. I have big respect for him."

Meanwhile, Thierry Henry insists Arsenal can beat United in the FA Cup final on Saturday even though the striker is ruled out through injury.

"This is the biggest match I have missed in my career," Henry told The Sun. "It's a major disappointment. But the team can still win.

"It will be a great game against. But I have to put the team ahead of myself.

"I had a talk with Arsene Wenger. Sometimes you have to be honest - I won't make it against United."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Typical Arsenal. Always trying to stir things up before the match. Who does this Vieira think he is? He doesn't anything about why Keane walked on Ireland.

Keane had a point in saying that you should play for the country of your birth. But Vieira is talking rubbish. Keane had good reasons for walking out on Ireland. Any sportsman with self respect should have done the same in his position.

I think Vieira is looking for a fight here.

[adi 101]

typical vieira!!!!!!!!! even if henry played i dont think it would have made much of a diference

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Jameel Vieira hits out at Keane comments Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has stoked up his rivalry with Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane before they meet in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Vieira has accused Keane of deserting the Republic of Ireland at the 2002 World Cup when he left the squad after a bust-up with manager Mick McCarthy. Keane apparently condemned Senegal-born Vieira's choice to play for France. Vieira told The Guardian: "For someone who leaves his team in the World Cup - he should keep the remark to himself." Vieira heads a charity called Diambars, which helps children in Senegal. And Keane is believed to have questioned his rival's decision to play for France when the pair clashed in the Highbury tunnel before United beat Arsenal 4-2 in February. After the match, Keane is reported as saying: "It makes me laugh, players going on about how they are saving this country and saving that country but when they have the opportunity to play...well, it's probably none of my business." It is better for him to look after himself and what he's doing Vieira on Keane Vieira incurred Keane's wrath in the tunnel for seemingly targeting United defender Gary Neville. Vieira added: "He does not know my background and I do not want him to make a comment like that because he is not in a good position to say something like that. "I will not say I intimidated Neville, I would say I tried to make a point. "He reacted the way I would react if somebody came to talk to one of the Arsenal players - that's what I would expect. "It did not surprise me at all, it was a captain's, a leader's reaction. I have big respect for him and all the Manchester United players, no doubt about it." The pair have a long history of flashpoints and Vieira's remarks are set to increase the tension between the two ahead of the FA Cup final. "I have nothing to prove to him," said Vieira. "He is not from Senegal, he is not from Africa, he will not understand. "So it is better for him to look after himself and what he is doing. "Even saying what I have just said does not take away the respect I have for him as a player. "When I came to England he was the one I was looking forward to playing against because he is the best in the business in his position. I have big respect for him." Meanwhile, Thierry Henry insists Arsenal can beat United in the FA Cup final on Saturday even though the striker is ruled out through injury. "This is the biggest match I have missed in my career," Henry told The Sun. "It's a major disappointment. But the team can still win. "It will be a great game against. But I have to put the team ahead of myself. "I had a talk with Arsene Wenger. Sometimes you have to be honest - I won't make it against United." ----------------------------------------------------------- Typical Arsenal. Always trying to stir things up before the match. Who does this Vieira think he is? He doesn't anything about why Keane walked on Ireland. Keane had a point in saying that you should play for the country of your birth. But Vieira is talking rubbish. Keane had good reasons for walking out on Ireland. Any sportsman with self respect should have done the same in his position. I think Vieira is looking for a fight here.

Jameel its clear your being biased here and thats understandable BUT here is my take on it :

How can Vieira be looking for the fight when it is Keane who said said things first , all Vieira has done is respond to them and he has responded in the right way imo.
Just like you say Vieira doesnt understand why Keane did what he did, Im pretty sure that Keane does not understand why Vieira chose to play for France!

To the orginal points, i agree with both players based on what i know:
I think Vieira should have played for Senegal (Tho he was brought up in France so i can understand why he would play for them)
I also think Keane should not have deserted his country (Unless you can tell me otherwise what good enough reason is there for a player deserting his country during the world cup??)

[Jameel]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Originally Posted by Jameel Vieira hits out at Keane comments Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has stoked up his rivalry with Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane before they meet in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Vieira has accused Keane of deserting the Republic of Ireland at the 2002 World Cup when he left the squad after a bust-up with manager Mick McCarthy. Keane apparently condemned Senegal-born Vieira's choice to play for France. Vieira told The Guardian: "For someone who leaves his team in the World Cup - he should keep the remark to himself." Vieira heads a charity called Diambars, which helps children in Senegal. And Keane is believed to have questioned his rival's decision to play for France when the pair clashed in the Highbury tunnel before United beat Arsenal 4-2 in February. After the match, Keane is reported as saying: "It makes me laugh, players going on about how they are saving this country and saving that country but when they have the opportunity to play...well, it's probably none of my business." It is better for him to look after himself and what he's doing Vieira on Keane Vieira incurred Keane's wrath in the tunnel for seemingly targeting United defender Gary Neville. Vieira added: "He does not know my background and I do not want him to make a comment like that because he is not in a good position to say something like that. "I will not say I intimidated Neville, I would say I tried to make a point. "He reacted the way I would react if somebody came to talk to one of the Arsenal players - that's what I would expect. "It did not surprise me at all, it was a captain's, a leader's reaction. I have big respect for him and all the Manchester United players, no doubt about it." The pair have a long history of flashpoints and Vieira's remarks are set to increase the tension between the two ahead of the FA Cup final. "I have nothing to prove to him," said Vieira. "He is not from Senegal, he is not from Africa, he will not understand. "So it is better for him to look after himself and what he is doing. "Even saying what I have just said does not take away the respect I have for him as a player. "When I came to England he was the one I was looking forward to playing against because he is the best in the business in his position. I have big respect for him." Meanwhile, Thierry Henry insists Arsenal can beat United in the FA Cup final on Saturday even though the striker is ruled out through injury. "This is the biggest match I have missed in my career," Henry told The Sun. "It's a major disappointment. But the team can still win. "It will be a great game against. But I have to put the team ahead of myself. "I had a talk with Arsene Wenger. Sometimes you have to be honest - I won't make it against United." ----------------------------------------------------------- Typical Arsenal. Always trying to stir things up before the match. Who does this Vieira think he is? He doesn't anything about why Keane walked on Ireland. Keane had a point in saying that you should play for the country of your birth. But Vieira is talking rubbish. Keane had good reasons for walking out on Ireland. Any sportsman with self respect should have done the same in his position. I think Vieira is looking for a fight here. Jameel its clear your being biased here and thats understandable BUT here is my take on it : How can Vieira be looking for the fight when it is Keane who said said things first , all Vieira has done is respond to them and he has responded in the right way imo. Just like you say Vieira doesnt understand why Keane did what he did, Im pretty sure that Keane does not understand why Vieira chose to play for France! To the orginal points, i agree with both players based on what i know: I think Vieira should have played for Senegal (Tho he was brought up in France so i can understand why he would play for them) I also think Keane should not have deserted his country (Unless you can tell me otherwise what good enough reason is there for a player deserting his country during the world cup??)

If you ever get a chance to read his book, you'll find out. Mick McCarthy was joke as Irish manager. He had no professionalism and never took things seriously. Keane eventually got sick of his management style and had a go at him, which led to McCarthy sending him home.

Any captain who cared about his country and wanted to win, should have done the same. Why should he have stayed and taken crap from McCarthy? He did the right thing.

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

jameel - he is a hero in ireland - should he not have stayed and tried to make team better and work for those fans - as ireland undoubtedly are a better side with keane and he would have made a real difference especially against someone like spain back then

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

ppl should be very careful when talking about african players not representing their countries and being deserters. There is a lot of civil unrest in these countries such as senegal and others and as such many ppl leave through asylum and france is a likely place. Did u not hear what happened to kanoute? he nearly was lynched by his own fans in mali after they lost

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Jameel Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Originally Posted by Jameel Vieira hits out at Keane comments Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has stoked up his rivalry with Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane before they meet in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Vieira has accused Keane of deserting the Republic of Ireland at the 2002 World Cup when he left the squad after a bust-up with manager Mick McCarthy. Keane apparently condemned Senegal-born Vieira's choice to play for France. Vieira told The Guardian: "For someone who leaves his team in the World Cup - he should keep the remark to himself." Vieira heads a charity called Diambars, which helps children in Senegal. And Keane is believed to have questioned his rival's decision to play for France when the pair clashed in the Highbury tunnel before United beat Arsenal 4-2 in February. After the match, Keane is reported as saying: "It makes me laugh, players going on about how they are saving this country and saving that country but when they have the opportunity to play...well, it's probably none of my business." It is better for him to look after himself and what he's doing Vieira on Keane Vieira incurred Keane's wrath in the tunnel for seemingly targeting United defender Gary Neville. Vieira added: "He does not know my background and I do not want him to make a comment like that because he is not in a good position to say something like that. "I will not say I intimidated Neville, I would say I tried to make a point. "He reacted the way I would react if somebody came to talk to one of the Arsenal players - that's what I would expect. "It did not surprise me at all, it was a captain's, a leader's reaction. I have big respect for him and all the Manchester United players, no doubt about it." The pair have a long history of flashpoints and Vieira's remarks are set to increase the tension between the two ahead of the FA Cup final. "I have nothing to prove to him," said Vieira. "He is not from Senegal, he is not from Africa, he will not understand. "So it is better for him to look after himself and what he is doing. "Even saying what I have just said does not take away the respect I have for him as a player. "When I came to England he was the one I was looking forward to playing against because he is the best in the business in his position. I have big respect for him." Meanwhile, Thierry Henry insists Arsenal can beat United in the FA Cup final on Saturday even though the striker is ruled out through injury. "This is the biggest match I have missed in my career," Henry told The Sun. "It's a major disappointment. But the team can still win. "It will be a great game against. But I have to put the team ahead of myself. "I had a talk with Arsene Wenger. Sometimes you have to be honest - I won't make it against United." ----------------------------------------------------------- Typical Arsenal. Always trying to stir things up before the match. Who does this Vieira think he is? He doesn't anything about why Keane walked on Ireland. Keane had a point in saying that you should play for the country of your birth. But Vieira is talking rubbish. Keane had good reasons for walking out on Ireland. Any sportsman with self respect should have done the same in his position. I think Vieira is looking for a fight here. Jameel its clear your being biased here and thats understandable BUT here is my take on it : How can Vieira be looking for the fight when it is Keane who said said things first , all Vieira has done is respond to them and he has responded in the right way imo. Just like you say Vieira doesnt understand why Keane did what he did, Im pretty sure that Keane does not understand why Vieira chose to play for France! To the orginal points, i agree with both players based on what i know: I think Vieira should have played for Senegal (Tho he was brought up in France so i can understand why he would play for them) I also think Keane should not have deserted his country (Unless you can tell me otherwise what good enough reason is there for a player deserting his country during the world cup??) If you ever get a chance to read his book, you'll find out. Mick McCarthy was joke as Irish manager. He had no professionalism and never took things seriously. Keane eventually got sick of his management style and had a go at him, which led to McCarthy sending him home. Any captain who cared about his country and wanted to win, should have done the same. Why should he have stayed and taken crap from McCarthy? He did the right thing.

I DONT like McCarthy BUT thats mainly cos he is the manage of the Mackems!

I havnt read Roy Keanes book and i doubt i ever will - im sure Keane made the decision to leave. Regardless of how much of a to55er McCarthy was/is i dont think he shud have deserted his country at such a big stage - i know its easier said than done BUT i think he shud have grin and beared it til the tournament ended -

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

uh oh GA - we have similar opinions on this!

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Waqar's inswinging yorker uh oh GA - we have similar opinions on this!

How dare you??? you have broken the PP code of posting

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

am so sorry - i should hang my head in shame

[Amjid Javed]

jameel, how is Patrick Vieira starting a fight? keane opened his mouth 1st!

take ur red tinted glasses of and get some commonsense!

the word "plank" comes to mind with ur idiotic comments!

imagine if u played cricket for england and some guy said to you why aint u playing for pakistan etc...?

wud u reply? yes u wud!

usually united fun garbage from urself... nothing new!

[Amjid Javed]

jameel, do u know the reason why Patrick Vieira chose france over senegal?

if u dont then i suggest u dont make comments.

i dont know full story behind keane and i wudnt make any comment.

both keane and Patrick Vieira are as bad as each other... questions sumones nationality allegances is a form of xenophobia/racism....!

both shud stick to being the good footballers they are!

[Jameel]

Amjid, all I am saying is that if he wanted to engage in a war of words with Keane, couldn't he have done it ages ago? Keane made that comment months ago after the Highbury match. If Vieira wanted to reply, he should have replied then, instead of waiting a few days until the FA cup final.

Now the rivalry between them has gone up again and some of the players might get involved in fights. I hope not, but we'll have to wait and see.

If the match turns out to be physical like it was at OT then Arsenal can't make excuses this time because their captain has started the tension.

[Amjid Javed]

lets just hope both teams play football and may best team win!

[ImranR]

Why dont Keane and Viera shut up and do their talking on the pitch.

[Amjid Javed]

Originally Posted by Umer Gul Why dont Keane and Viera shut up and do their talking on the pitch.

;)+ ;)+

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

AJ - i think arsenal need to be watchful of the fact that man utd may kick them off the pitch. They will use the spoling tactics and prevent u from playing - through legal and not solegal means - i hope arsenal can cope physically

[Schiller]

what what what??

[Jameel]

Originally Posted by Waqar's inswinging yorker AJ - i think arsenal need to be watchful of the fact that man utd may kick them off the pitch. They will use the spoling tactics and prevent u from playing - through legal and not solegal means - i hope arsenal can cope physically

Yeah we really kicked them off the pitch at Highbury when we thrashed them 4-2 didn't we.

If it gets physical this time, then Arsenal have themselves to blame this time for increasing the tension before the match.

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

jameel - man utd did it when they beat arsenal 1-0 in semi of cup last year - scholes is the worst tackler FOR A CENTRAL MIDFIELDER! and someone should really teach him before he breaks someone's legs or before he is decked by a bigger guy

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

man utd will struggle in europe on mental strength - they are frail and very temparamental - rooney, keane - easy to wind up and teams will wind them up especially italian sides and that isnt even considering their declining side!

[ImranR]

I just heard that Reyes and Ljunberg are going to wear those Anti-bullying bands tommorow as man utd bully arsenal so much

[Amjid Javed]

Originally Posted by Jameel Originally Posted by Waqar's inswinging yorker AJ - i think arsenal need to be watchful of the fact that man utd may kick them off the pitch. They will use the spoling tactics and prevent u from playing - through legal and not solegal means - i hope arsenal can cope physically Yeah we really kicked them off the pitch at Highbury when we thrashed them 4-2 didn't we. If it gets physical this time, then Arsenal have themselves to blame this time for increasing the tension before the match.

seems u have a problem understanding things.... keane and fergie opened their mouths 1st.... therefore that will provoke a reaction... sadly blindness which is common in all united supporters is causing u problems here...

[Jameel]

Amjid why dont you just STFU.

Tell me what Fergie and Keane said that was so bad before Vieira/Wenger opened their mouth?

Fergie and Keane left it after the Highbury match and Arsenal have started again recently.

You are the one who can't understand, so stop going on about my "blindness". Arsenal always try and stir things up before the match, but sadly Arsenal fans like yourself are too blind to see it.

[Amjid Javed]

Originally Posted by Jameel Amjid why dont you just STFU. Tell me what Fergie and Keane said that was so bad before Vieira/Wenger opened their mouth? Fergie and Keane left it after the Highbury match and Arsenal have started again recently. You are the one who can't understand, so stop going on about my "blindness". Arsenal always try and stir things up before the match, but sadly Arsenal fans like yourself are too blind to see it.

instead of barking like a dog with no bone... why dont u make me?

[Amjid Javed]

arsenal players have said yes game maybe physical, but they will look 2 play football.

likes of keane, scholes, giggs etc have said it will be physical...

meaning chopper neville will go round fouling arsenal players with no intention of playing the ball!

[Jameel]

I aint looking for a fight over the internet. I made that comment because you were talking out of your rear end.

[Jameel]

Originally Posted by Amjid Javed arsenal players have said yes game maybe physical, but they will look 2 play football. likes of keane, scholes, giggs etc have said it will be physical... meaning chopper neville will go round fouling arsenal players with no intention of playing the ball!

If Arsenal can't handle physical matches thats their problem. The English league is physical and that will need to learn that, maybe the hard way.

And don't try and make Arsenal players seem like victims. Vieira, Campbell and co don't pull out of a challenge do they?

[Amjid Javed]

Originally Posted by Jameel Originally Posted by Amjid Javed arsenal players have said yes game maybe physical, but they will look 2 play football. likes of keane, scholes, giggs etc have said it will be physical... meaning chopper neville will go round fouling arsenal players with no intention of playing the ball! If Arsenal can't handle physical matches thats their problem. The English league is physical and that will need to learn that, maybe the hard way. And don't try and make Arsenal players seem like victims. Vieira, Campbell and co don't pull out of a challenge do they?

theres a difference between physical tackles and trying 2 break someones leg like keane and ruud van nistleroy have tried doing 2 various footballers ...

[Jameel]

Well after the disgraceful behaviour of Cole last season at OT, Ruud had every right to be pissed off at him.

[fair_play]

Keane is a typical hypocrite in my view. All that hard man stuff is ******** in my view.

I am impressed by Viera's eloquence. His response is spot on.

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

does anyone remember 2000 cl match i think it was - bayern knoched man utd out - at olympic stadium - effenberg was getting in keane's face and pushing him - one point fouled him and stood over him - KEANE LOOKED SO SCARED - he didnt want to try anything with effenberg! was a great picture - does anyone recall that too - effenberg was like a man possessed that game