ACCUSATION: Evra thinks Arsenal tried to kick him out of the Champions League final
The Manchester United defender believes he was singled out during last week’s goalless draw between the two sides at Old Trafford.
After United’s Champions League semi-final stroll against the Gunners, Evra claimed it had been “11 men against 11 babies.”
In last Saturday’s Premier League game, in which United clinched their third successive title, Arsenal skipper Fabregas and Samir Nasri were booked for challenges on Evra.
And Robin van Persie – who had already been yellow-carded – was warned by referee Mike Dean after clattering into the French star.
Evra, who is preparing for Wednesday night’s glamour clash with Barcelona in Rome, said: “The bad challenge was from Fabregas when he caught my knee.
“I was very angry. I don’t know why the Arsenal players did that.
“Okay I said some things they didn’t appreciate after the Champions League game at the Emirates.
“But when some players speak about us and say we are not a good team I try to show that we are out on the pitch. It’s about scoring goals or helping to win the game – it’s not to kick someone back. It’s not the way to play football.
“I don’t know why some of the Arsenal players did that. You might miss the Champions League final because of one stupid tackle.”
Evra admitted that Arsenal’s tactics had wound him up and he was in danger of exploding only for referee Dean to come to the rescue.
He added: “I want to say thanks to the referee as he came to me and said ‘Pat, I don’t know what’s going on but a lot of the Arsenal players are angry with you.
“Try to make my job easier. I don’t want you to do something bad as you’re not that kind of player. I know it’s difficult but just try to relax’
“I was going to react in a bad way but the referee made me calm down.”
Now Evra is concentrating on stopping Barca’s star man Lionel Messi and said: “You can block Messi 10 times but if he passes you once and scores everybody says ‘Evra played badly against Messi’.
“But I can show Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world if I play well against Messi.”
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
