Arsene Wenger cited high legal fees as a key factor in dissuading him from a libel case against Jose Mourinho, who described him as a "voyeur", although Wenger revealed he consulted lawyers about the possibility. The Arsenal manager admitted he did not feel there was malice in his Chelsea counterpart's remarks but added that the prices demanded by lawyers were a deterrent.

"Have you seen the price of lawyers in England? They say 'Hello' and it's £100,000 before they shake your hand," Wenger said. "I just wanted to see how it was perceived. I had to choose between my holidays and the case. I find in England that the law is very expensive frankly. Compared to France it looks, to me, unbelievable."

He suggested action might not have been taken even if the fees were lower. "I tried to think about it and give it some thought during the break and I cannot see that statement to be malicious or vicious enough," he said. "For me the intention behind the statement is important. I came to the conclusion that it was not - I hope I am right - anything planned or malicious. That's why I want to focus on what's important for me - the results of the team - and not go back into any negative attitude and waste my energy."

Wenger would not be drawn on what would happen if Mourinho made similar comments again. "I don't know if it will happen again," he said. "I will consider the situation separately. You take action or you forgive or forget it. I don't give it too much importance. That, for me is part of the football circuit as long as it is not personal or malicious."

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace yesterday revealed they rejected an approach from Portsmouth for manager Iain Dowie.

Portsmouth were keen to install Dowie as the successor to Alain Perrin, who was sacked on Wednesday, but the English Championship club have rebuffed their attempts.

"I have formally rejected Portsmouth's request, and I look forward to maintaining a strong working relationship with Iain and achieving our shared goal of success at Crystal Palace," Palace chairman Simon Jordan said.

Tottenham right back Stephen Kelly will not sign a new contract unless he is guaranteed regular first-team football. The Republic of Ireland under-21 international's contract expires at the end of the season but Kelly is already thinking about the future.

"I love it at Spurs but will have to make a decision about my future if I'm not getting a game after Christmas," said the 22-year-old Dubliner. "My contract is up at the end of the season and there is a new offer but this is not about money. I was playing regularly last season. I'm capable of playing in the Premiership and want to show it."

Guardian Service