Sport 27-10-2004 Van Nistelrooy Takes His Punishment who: Ruud van Nistelrooy what: Pleads guilty to FA charge of serious foul play where: Old Trafford, MANCHESTER when: Yesterday snippet: "Manchester United`s Ruud van Nistelrooy has pleaded guilty to a charge of serious foul play," says the BBC. "The Football Association charge relates to his challenge on Arsenal`s Ashley Cole, which has landed him a three-match ban after his admission." "United saw no sense in contesting the charge and renewing hostilities with arch-rivals Arsenal following Sunday`s ill-tempered clash at Old Trafford," says The Mirror. "Van Nistelrooy will miss the Premiership games with Portsmouth and Manchester City after starting his ban by sitting out last night`s League Cup tie at Crewe." "The Football Association are to consult police about the tunnel bust-up at Old Trafford before deciding whether to charge Arsenal and any of their players," according to The Evening Standard. "Although Greater Manchester Police said today they had no officers who witnessed the nasty confrontation [in the players` tunnel after the match] the FA would still like to speak to them before deciding their next step." Arsène Wenger "has a further five days to reply to the governing body`s written request for an explanation of his criticism of the referee Mike Riley," says The Independent, "but Wenger also gave a public indication of his reply yesterday." Wenger says he did not see anyone throw pizza and soup at his opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson - today`s Sun says Ashley Cole was the culprit - and claims he never called van Nistelrooy a "cheat", but on the subject of Mike Riley he maintains that "the referee did not have enough authority on the game to make football we love respected". [... more]

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