The Guardian reports:
‘Arsène Wenger faces a potential fine today if found guilty of accusing Ruud van Nistelrooy of cheating. The possible punishment follows a warning that too many managers have crossed the line of fair comment this season.
‘Wenger is not expected to attend the afternoon hearing at the Football Association's Soho Square headquarters, with Arsenal having prepared a detailed written defence.
‘This followed the controversial recent encounter at Old Trafford, with Wenger declaring afterwards that "we all know him, he can only cheat people" following the Dutchman's ugly foul on Ashley Cole, for which he received a three-game ban.
‘Arsenal are not expected to use video evidence to support a claim that Van Nistelrooy cheated.’
However the Mirror report that a video will be used:
‘Arsene Wenger will let a video dossier of the life and "crimes" of Ruud van Nistelrooy speak for itself today as he tries to prove he was right to call the Dutchman a cheat. Arsenal have compiled a video diary they believe backs up Wenger's allegation.
‘The Arsenal boss has decided to let the 'facts' stand as his defence and stay away from FA headquarters at Soho Square this afternoon as he contests the improper conduct charge levied in the wake of his verbal attack on the Manchester United striker.’
‘He said: "At some stage you have to say what you think without insulting people. I've read my statements again and I stand by what I said. I just don't really know what I'm charged with. What I said on the day was not exaggerated. I said what I felt on the day."
‘Arsenal lawyers are determined to argue the case that Wenger was only exercising freedom of speech.’