Arsene Wenger has branded Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim a liar after he accused the Arsenal boss of a lack of respect after not shaking hands with him as the Gunners crashed out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage once again.
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Jardim was angered after his side edged past Arsenal on away goals, following a 2-0 home loss in the last-16 second leg match, and accused Arsene Wenger of leaving for the changing rooms early, without shaking his hand in the first leg.
In a seemingly petty dispute, the Portuguese manager subsequently decided to do the same in the second leg in Monte Carlo.
He said, “In the first leg, when I wanted to thank Arsene and shake his hand, it’s true that Arsene didn’t shake my hand, so even though Monaco did everything to make life comfortable for Arsenal tonight, I decided not to thank him.
“I think it was disrespectful. Right now, we’re celebrating and we think Arsenal did not show enough respect during the first leg.”
Veteran Arsenal manager Wenger insists Jardim’s claims are lies though, and said the Monaco boss was too busy celebrating to notice the offer of a handshake and congratulations at the Emirates.
Quoted in the Daily Mail he said, “Pictures show that I waited to congratulate the Monaco coach after the game. He celebrated his victory with his staff, which I quite understand.
“I congratulated him after the press conference. I am therefore surprised and disappointed to hear such lies.
“That said, I wish Monaco all the best and good luck for the future.”
The Ligue 1 surprise package will face Juventus in the Champions League quarter final, who dispatched Dortmund in the previous round. Instead, Arsenal must now concentrate on the FA Cup where they face Reading in a semi final, and the Premier League.