Robin Van Persie Vs. Emmanuel Adebayor: Someone Must Be Lying

According to many of you, Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor was very much in the wrong last Saturday because of the controversy over his boot striking former Arsenal teammate Robin Van Persie’s face, as well as his goal celebration in front of the Arsenal visiting fans being the subject of much debate after the final whistle signalled a 4-2 victory for the home side.

However, some actually believe Van Persie and Arsenal supporters to be the ones in the wrong.

Before we discuss that, I have a conundrum for you.

Lies Lies Lies

Judging by the quotes coming from both camps, it appears there is a discrepancy between the players' memories.

After the game on Saturday, Arsenal forward Van Persie released a statement on Arsenal’s official website, which included the following line:

“I have not received an apology from him (Adebayor). There were no words exchanged afterwards.”

No one is saying his version of events isn't correct, as the Dutch forward had, after all, been kicked in the head.

The statement was also released pretty quickly after the game, so surely his recollection was fresh in the memory.

But since then, Adebayor has reportedly told The Sun: “After the game I saw him and said sorry, but he didn't even want to speak to me."

The above also has a certain ring of truth about it. I too would have no time for a man I thought had booted me in the face—unless, of course, my hands were round his neck.

But had Adebayor and Van Persie come face to face (cheeky grin to bloody mess), I believe we would be reporting “changing room fisticuffs” and not on-the-pitch events.

The Sun would have loved that.

So who is lying?

Adebayor on Van Persie

Having seen the incident on more than one occasion, I believe Adebayor did indeed try to kick Van Persie. But can I prove it?

No.

However, the video does show the striker looking down just before his boot strikes his opponent, which to me signals his intent.

For those who say Van Persie’s tackle on the City star was dangerous, I agree with you, but to those who say this justifies Adebayor’s reaction, I say take a long, hard look at yourselves.

Unlike the real world, retaliation has always been more frowned upon by the game's lawmakers, with those reacting to tackles, assaults, and verbal abuse often being the ones who received the lengthier punishment, especially when the original incident (the tackle) was a yellow card offence at best.

Many players have reacted badly to tackles over the years and walked for an early bath. Some say it is a bit of a kick in the teeth for the retaliator, but I say it was a bit of a deliberate kick in the face for the Dutchman.

A yellow card for Van Persie followed by a red for Adebayor should have been the referee’s action.

The celebration

Running 90 metres solely to wind up the opposition fans is, in my opinion, out of order.

Some have blamed Arsenal fans for reacting to Adebayor’s antagonising, but wouldn’t you? He was hardly a fan favourite at the Emirates due to his wanting to get away from Arsenal before, in the eyes of the fans at least, he had repaid them.

Add in a bumper new contract and a poor season, and we have some serious tension between the two.

Of course the Arsenal supporters were giving him stick—he probably deserves it.

But what would a great player do?

He would score and win the game for his club to shut up his critics. Adebayor had done so but chose (and by doing so proved his critics correct) to wind up the Arsenal support like an immature schoolboy. Simply put, the man has no class.

Apology or no apology.

A heavy fine is certainly in order, but no ban. Gary Neville’s fine for a similar offence against Liverpool should have put paid to that.

I would be behind a new rule, however, which could bring about a suspension for such behaviour, which could have started a riot.

Imagine, for example, a similar celebration at the recent game between West Ham United and Millwall.

As for the reaction by the Arsenal support: It was not great, but would it have been different from any other league club?

Nope. I seriously doubt it.

Any individual who overstepped the mark with assault should obviously be charged with such an offence, but a punishment for the support in general would indeed be another kick in the teeth for Arsenal.