EXCLUSIVE
Outburst: the Arsenal skipper reportedly hit out at
the officials in the tunnel
Cesc Fabregas launched a
furious verbal attack on the match officials in the tunnel
during Arsenal's 2-1 win over
Everton
on Tuesday, allegedly calling
their integrity into question.
Everton manager David Moyes refused to reveal what the Arsenal
captain said as the players left the pitch at half-time, only
saying Fabregas would have been sent off had he made the comments
on the pitch.
However, it is alleged the Spaniard shouted in the direction of
the officials: 'How much have you been paid?' He then allegedly
accused an opponent of cheating.
Tempers were frayed in the first half when Louis Saha fired
Everton into the lead with a controversial goal that Moyes agreed
should have been ruled out for offside.
Fabregas made his comments from afar and referee Lee Mason chose
not to report the incident to the FA when he was quizzed on the
matter on Wednesday. It will go no further unless Everton lodge an
official complaint.
Fabregas said: 'All I can say is that I have respect for all
match officials. Their job is a very difficult one and their
decisions are final.
Making his point: Fabregas was furious that the
Everton goal stood
'Yes, I was upset at half-time. So too were about 60,000
Arsenal supporters in the stadium. Players from both sides were
saying things as we came off the pitch.
'I'm passionate about this club and like all the players want to
win every single match, so many things are said in the heat of the
moment.'
Arsenal will be without Samir Nasri for three weeks and are
waiting to discover the extent of the injury sustained by Alex Song
against Everton.
Theo Walcott will be fit to face Newcastle on Saturday despite
hurting an ankle in the game. Lukasz Fabianski may need an
operation on an injured shoulder this week, which could keep him
out until November
