Wenger’s reason for classic dispute with Alan Pardew

A feeling of lack of respect is what was behind Arsene Wenger’s memorable incident with former West Ham boss Alan Pardew at Upton Park almost three years ago.

The Arsenal manager confronted his counterpart that day after Marlon Harewood had put the Hammers ahead late in a fiery London derby during the 2006/07 season.

The sight of Pardew busting into celebration sickened Wenger, and the 59-year-old felt his rival showed no respect to him through that act.

The French tactician claims early experiences in his coaching career taught him how disgusting it is to see an opponent get animated on the sidelines.

“When I was at Nancy as a young coach, the father of Michel Platini was a director of the club. We had a really poor team and we won one game out of every three.

“One day he said to me: ‘Do you know what I really cannot stand anymore? To see the other bench jumping up and down” he said.

So is that why Arsene clashed with Alan Pardew after West Ham stunned Arsenal at Upton Park three years ago?

“Yes, I thought about Platini’s dad after that. One of the things I discovered in Japan was from watching sumo wrestling.At the end you can never tell who has won the fight, and who has lost, because they do not show their emotion because it could embarrass the loser.” Wenger said

“It is unbelievable. That is why I try to teach my team politeness. It is only here in England that everybody pokes their tongue out when they win.”