Arsene Wenger and Ronald Koeman row in tunnel after stalemate

Dutchman reportedly took exception to Arsenal manager criticising Lee Mason

Arsene Wenger is reported to have argued with Ronald Koeman after Arsenal’s goalless draw with Southampton. Photograph: Reuters
Arsene Wenger is reported to have argued with Ronald Koeman after Arsenal’s goalless draw with Southampton. Photograph: Reuters

Arsène Wenger was involved in a tunnel row with the Southampton manager Ronald Koeman after frustrations boiled over at the end of Tuesday night's goalless draw at the Emirates.

The Arsenal manager is reported to have confronted the referee, Lee Mason, and the fourth official, Craig Pawson, outside the dressing rooms to complain about several decisions Wenger claimed were missed as Arsenal lost ground in the title race.

The Frenchman reportedly complained to Mason: “It’s always the same with you.” Koeman, however, saw the exchange and intervened, telling Wenger: “And it’s always the same with you. You had 10 chances to score and couldn’t take any of them so why have a go at them?”

The 0-0 draw left Arsenal five points adrift of the Premier League leaders Leicester City, who beat Liverpool 2-0, and saw them drop a place to fourth, below Tottenham Hotspur, who won 3-0 at Norwich City.

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(Guardian service)