Van Nistelrooy Claims Innocence

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy claims he is innocent after being charged with serious foul play by the Football Association for his tackle on Arsenal's Ashley Cole.



The Dutch international has been given until Tuesday to "deny or admit" the charge, which will be heard on Thursday.

If van Nistelrooy is adjudged to have deliberately hurt Ashley Cole, he could receive a three-match ban ruling him out of United's games against Portsmouth, Man City and Newcastle.

Van Nistelrooy told The Sun, "We both just went for the ball. It was a 50-50 ball and in these situations two players can collide".

The FA will also investigate the tunnel fracas in which it was alleged that an unnamed Arsenal player threw food at Sir Alex Ferguson in the aftermath of Sunday's victory.

Wenger will also be brought before the FA following his scathing post-match comments about Mike Riley.