Wenger says ‘under-fire’ Fabregas is a ‘witch-hunt’ victim

LONDON - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that captain Cesc Fabregas is the victim of a ‘witch-hunt’.

It comes after Everton manager David Moyes alleged that Fabregas made unrepeatable comments to match referee Lee Mason as the players went down the tunnel at half-time of their Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

When asked if he thought there was a witch-hunt against Fabregas, Wenger said: “Yes. He has gone through a lot, difficult moments, but has always come out stronger - this guy is a fantastic leader.”

Wenger further said that Fabregas never addressed any comments to Mason in the tunnel, and added: “Overall, this guy is an example on the pitch and shows you how to play football.”

Moyes did not repeat what the 23-year-old was alleged to have said to Mason, but claimed that “they were disappointing comments from someone who is such a talented footballer”.

“I won’t go into what they were, but they were deserving of a sending off, 100 percent,” the BBC quoted Moyes, as saying.

Fabregas later stated that he held the utmost respect for all match officials, and that “many things are said in the heat of the moment”. (ANI)