Arsene Wenger reacted furiously yesterday to the English Football Association's decision not to give Sol Campbell the chance to defend himself against the four-match ban that means his season will end at Bolton today.
Wenger, who loses Campbell for the final three Premiership games, also renewed his criticism of Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was struck by Campbell's arm during last week's 2-2 draw at Highbury.
"I am hugely disappointed because I like justice and I am sad he has not got a hearing," said Wenger. "Sol is a strong person but he was very disappointed and angry and feels nobody wants to listen to him."
Campbell, who had hoped Solskjaer would speak in his defence, appealed against the referee Mark Halsey's decision, but the FA video advisory panel ruled the dismissal should not be overturned and decided against a hearing.
"Solskjaer did not show a big desire (to help) but players have to respect each other and I'm disappointed he did not come out," Wenger added. Wenger believes Campbell will bounce back, although it may affect Sven-Goran Eriksson's England planning.
"It is a big blow to the England team because we're at the end of April and England play in June. He can clear his Achilles problem but for England it's certainly not the best preparation and he cannot be at his best if he has not played for six weeks," said Wenger.
The Bolton manager, Sam Allardyce, has a different take on Arsenal's treatment at the hands of referees and said he expected a strong performance from Andy D'Urso at the Reebok today. "All I'm saying is that I hope the referee stands firm," he said. "Arsenal are the worst when it comes to intimidating referees."
Wenger's task today is hampered by the absence of his captain, Patrick Vieira, who will also miss the match against Leeds United on Sunday week. "He is out for one or two more weeks," said Wenger.
Freddie Ljungberg, though, has been excused from Sweden's friendly against Croatia next Wednesday in order to concentrate on Arsenal.
Wenger, following Alex Ferguson's lead, also engaged in mind games of his own by warning United they could suffer a Champions League hangover this weekend at Tottenham. And to rub salt in his rival's wounds, Wenger claimed United had never once looked likely to win their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on wednesday night.
"Over the 180 minutes, you can say that Manchester United were never once in a position to qualify. Not for one minute. They always had to score at least two goals to qualify in the second game."
Wenger has also asked London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to help his team in the title race by beating United at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle said yesterday: "I was with Arsene on Wednesday because we played the Arsenal reserves and he said with a big smile on his face 'Good luck on Sunday. Do us a favour.'"
