Defiant Wenger pleads not guilty

Arsene Wenger today pleaded not guilty to a Football Association charge of improper conduct over his claims that Ruud van Nistelrooy cheated during Arsenal's clash with Manchester United last month.

After two weeks of deliberation, the Arsenal manager has told the FA he wants a personal hearing to contest the charge. He looks set to face Soho Square officials next week.

Wenger, who had to give the FA his decision by 6pm tonight, spoke out after Van Nistelrooy appeared to stamp on Ashley Cole in a challenge missed by referee Mike Riley during United's 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on 24 October.

The Holland striker has already served a three-match ban after admitting an FA charge of serious foul play.

But Wenger's decision to deny any wrongdoing is set to spark fresh controversy over the game, dubbed the 'Battle of the Buffet'.

The ill-tempered match saw the end of Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten league run and ended with a confrontation in the tunnel, when it was claimed soup and pizza were thrown at Sir Alex Ferguson.

Relations between Arsenal and United hit an all-time low after the game at Old Trafford.

Despite Highbury claims that things have improved, FA chairman Geoff Thompson wants senior club figures from both sides to attend a peace meeting with him and a Premier League official.

No date has been set, but Thompson was keen to arrange it before United and Arsenal meet in the Carling Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford a week tomorrow.