Everton star Mikel Arteta refused to blame Cesc Fabregas
following his sending off against Arsenal.
Arteta was shown a straight red card six minutes from time after
appearing to catch his Spanish compatriot in the face with his
elbow.
The decision infuriated Everton boss David Moyes who accused
Fabregas of play-acting, but Arteta has refused to condemn
Fabregas.
"I don't blame Cesc for what happened, but the referee got it
wrong," Arteta said.
Nothing
intentional
"He should have seen that it was just a coming together of players
and nothing
intentional, it was not a red card.
"The referee has to know the players and the way I play - I always
use my arms. I never try to hurt anybody or kick someone because I
am not a player like that.
"I can't understand it. He didn't whistle when the challenge was
done but
after three seconds when he saw Fabregas on the floor I knew he was
going to
send me off."
Fabregas felt Arteta deserved the red card for the offence.
"He is my friend but this is football. It just happened," noted
Fabregas.
"The one thing I am sure about is that he put his elbow in my face
and that is
a red card."
