That is a challeneg that has been made 100's of times over the years without incident. Usually both players get up, say well done and run off. Shawcross had 1 thing in mind and that was the ball. Bad luck to Ramsey and feel for the guy.
Now to cover Wingers points on Arsenal being a target. Forgetting the selective vision that is legendary in the Emirates. We could just pass this off by saying we didnt see it, Whinger wouldnt have a leg to stand on. Forgetting the disciplinary record that Arsenal have over the last 10yrs compared with others. Forgetting Cesc's tackle later in the game which had 10x the malicous intent as this tackle and then he made gestures to the Stoke bench. Forgaetting all manner of things, lets actually take Whingers comments on board and accept that Arsenal are targetted.
Well they are targetted because they play a more passing game than others. What Whinger is asking for is that their players are given extra protection from the 'bullys'. So what happens when Arsenal come up against Barcelona? Do they have a ranking system whereby the refs arent allowed to let opposition tackles pass from the lesser ranked teams? Do we have players having a no go zone around them?
This is a basic situation that Whinger needs to deal with. His team passes the ball more than others. Thats means they are tackled more than others. They also move the ball around quicker than others which means they are talking milliseconds making big differences. Is it coincidence that this has happened 3 times to Arsenal players. I dont think so. But it is as much down to Arsenal as it is down to others. I have seen much worse tackles in matches abroad. Has no one from the Spanish or Italian leagues had similar injuries?
As always, Whinger battons down the hatches and blames English football that has rewarded him so well. Pullis had the right response when he said he wouldnt give 2pence for Whinger comments about Shawcross. The lad was distraught and was probably scared to open the papers this morning.
All in all, i hope Ramsey comes back 100% and i hope Whinger issues an apology for his comments.