Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is adamant he did not cross the line of respect when talking to referee Lee Mason in the tunnel during a win over Everton.
According to Toffees' manager David Moyes, the Spain midfielder made unrepeatable comments to Mason at half-time, when Arsenal trailed to a goal that both managers agreed should not have been given due to offside.
But while admitting in a statement on his club's official website, www.arsenal.com, that he did speak to Mason during the interval, Fabregas insists he did not overstep the mark, saying: "There has been much talk about me saying things to the officials at half-time on Tuesday night. All I can say is that I have respect for all match officials. Their job is a very difficult one and their decisions are final."
He added: "Yes, I was upset at half-time. So too were about 60,000 Arsenal supporters in the stadium.
"We were one-nil down against a very good Everton side to a goal which we felt was offside. Of course I am going to be upset. Players from both sides were saying things as we came off the pitch, and this always happens in football.
"I'm passionate about this club and like all the players want to win every single match, so many things are said in the heat of the moment.
"Clearly the officials feel that nothing serious happened, as I understand the referee has not included anything in his match report."
Mason's failure to mention anything about Fabregas' actions in his match report means he will not face any sanctions from the Football Association.
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