Arsene Wenger today claimed several Premier League clubs are turning football into rugby with overtly physical tactics.
Arsenal face a Blackburn side on Saturday who continue to forge a reputation for tough tackling under manager Sam Allardyce.
Wenger admitted he is concerned over an increasingly robust approach, especially towards goalkeepers, from several clubs and highlighted Stoke's defeat by Spurs last weekend — where Chris Foy was referee — as an example.
Foy will also take charge at Ewood Park and Wenger said: "I saw some pictures last Sunday and you cannot say anymore it is football — it is rugby on the goalkeepers more than football. The referees cannot go on and accept that.
"When you see how Ryan Shawcross kicked Heurelho Gomes, how Robert Huth pushed Gomes in the goal, you cannot say that is football anymore.
"If the referees allow that you cannot accept it because that has nothing to do with the game. Apart from that, when a team plays long ball and head the ball and become physical I accept that completely and I respect that. But it has to be in respect of the rules, that is all.
"I believe that in some situations the goalkeepers are not protected. You cannot have players whose main role is to stop the goalkeepers from catching the ball and not even go for the ball."
Wenger also confirmed the £5million signing of Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla but the
30-year-old will not feature against Blackburn. Brazilian midfielder Denilson will be available after recovering from a groin problem.
