WATCH - Arsene Wenger heavily criticised over 'suicide' comment following 2-2 draw with Chelsea
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger has been heavily criticised for comments he made regarding a late Chelsea miss in his side's 2-2 draw at the Emirates last night.
It had looked like Chelsea had come from behind to triumph when Marcos Alonso struck six minutes from time, after Jack Wilshere's first league goal since May 2015 had been cancelled out by Hazard's spot-kick.
But the Gunners would not be beaten and Bellerin punished Alonso's poor clearing header with a fine finish for a share of the points - though there was still time for Chelsea's Davide Zappacosta to hit the crossbar.
"I don't know, maybe I would have gone home and committed suicide tonight" Wenger told reporters after the final whistle when asked what he would have done if the effort from Zappacosta went in.
"It was a great football game, we have shown great mental resources, I knew the last 20 minutes would be tough."
Wenger's controversial remark has sparked fury and has been heavily condemned on social media.
Arsene Wenger needs to have a word with himself bringing up suicide like that. He should know better.
— Greg Johnson (@gregianjohnson) January 3, 2018
One of the maddest Wenger pressers for a while, ending with him saying he would have gone home to commit suicide had Zappacosta scored at end.
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) January 3, 2018
Besides the utter stupidly and crassness of invoking suicide in a football interview, Wenger should learn that one doesn't "commit" suicide.
— Michael McCarthy (@McCarthyMick) January 3, 2018
Imagine talking about suicide for a freaking football game when people are out here struggling with real issues. It’s just football man. Shameful from Wenger. https://t.co/y24B5d51rV
— J. (@ElaficionadoFC) January 3, 2018
Disappointed Wenger chose to use words “ commit suicide “ in his presser hope he was misquoted. Bad choice and very insensitive
— carl james o reilly (@cjor1172) January 3, 2018
Meanwhile, Wenger intends to contest a charge of misconduct from the Football Association.
Wenger was on Tuesday charged following his conduct in the referee's changing room after Sunday's game against West Brom.
Wenger was furious with referee Mike Dean, who had awarded West Brom a late penalty at the Hawthorns for a handball by Calum Chambers.
Wenger has until 6pm on Friday to respond, but refutes the charge.
Asked if he planned to contest the charge, Wenger said: "100 per cent. You can listen to every interview I said. I stick to everything I said without a problem."
Wenger was speaking after a pulsating and at times controversial 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
He was infuriated by what he called a "farcical" penalty, which was converted by Eden Hazard after the Belgium playmaker was fouled by Hector Bellerin.
"At the moment we have to face surprising decisions," Wenger added.
Asked again about the incident at West Brom, Wenger said: "I know what I said and I stand by what I said."
