Wenger fumes over Eduardo 'witch-hunt'

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European football's governing body has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatia international for "deceiving the referee" in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Celtic.

"I find it a complete disgrace and unacceptable. We won't accept the way we have been treated in this case for two reasons," said Wenger. "I believe that you can debate whether it was a penalty or not. For me it's a witch-hunt that we see and not an objective judgement of a case."

He added: "This charge implies there was intent and a desire to cheat the referee. Having watched the pictures again there was nothing conclusive.

"It singles out a player in Europe to be a cheat and that is not acceptable. UEFA has taken action that is not defendable."

Eduardo went down midway through the first half of the Champions League qualifier despite there appearing to be no contact with Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez still awarded a penalty, converted by Eduardo who was subsequently condemned by Celtic.

Meanwhile, Celtic boss Tony Mowbray was reluctant to become embroiled in the controversy and said: "I haven't given it a second thought.

"I have seen the incident again but it doesn't matter, we are out of the Champions League. The bigger picture is UEFA want to clamp down on simulation, to make a mark and if they feel they need to do it, then so be it.

"Sometimes there has to be a fall guy. But it is not my decision, I don't want to condemn anybody."