Evra: Alioski deserves an Oscar for his role in Pepe’s red card

There was a battle between

’s

and

’ defender

right from the start of their Sunday match. It was in the 51st minute of the 0-0 draw that Pepe was given a straight red card by the referee because of the headbutt he had aimed at the Macedonian. Pepe’s head seemed to have had minimal contact with Alioski but the defender was smart enough to fell on the ground and persuade the referee to give the Gunners forward a red card. In a Sky Sports post-match reaction, Patrice Evra has spoken about the foul and the subsequent red card.

“Really silly from Pepe.

“You are not playing a lot and Arteta gave you a chance, so do not cry when you play the next game.

“When you do that it is a frustration. It is silly. I think [Pepe] should say sorry to all his team-mates because

Arsenal had a plan and of course everything changed."

“I saw him playing in France, he was happy, he was smiling,

“You can see, the price tag, the fans are against him.

“A good player but I am really disappointed. I always protect him but I cannot defend him."

When asked about Alioski’s part in persuading the referee Evra responded:

“Alioski deserves an Oscar. He played so well, if I was the Leeds coach I would be so happy with Alioski but come on, he looked like he broke his nose.”

Arsenal will play against Molde in Europa League on Sunday before continuing their EPL campaign with a match against Wolves five days later.