Wenger's concern over Henry ban

Arsene Wenger today claimed the Football Association has jolted Arsenal's title bid by banning Thierry Henry for an offence countless other players have got away with.

The 28-goal striker was found guilty of improper conduct for his extraordinary outburst at referee Graham Poll after the Gunners' 3-1 defeat against Newcastle on 18 December.

Wenger said: "I have seen incidents when players have got off with much worse than Thierry - and that's why it's quite difficult to accept he got suspended for three games at this time of the season."

The ban will rule Henry out of the Highbury league dates with West Ham on 23 March and Sunderland on 30 March, as well as the clash at Charlton two days later.

"Now we'll give ourselves a bit of time and think about an appeal," said Wenger.