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Arsenal's Wenger unhappy with fixture organisers

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was unhappy with the league's fixture organisers after his side drew 1-1 with Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

The Gunners boss believes his side got the short end of the stick this week as title rivals Manchester United got to play and easily beat a below-strength Wolves outfit and this weekend's opponents, Hull City, have not had to play this week because Everton, who they were due to play midweek, were facing off in the Europa League.

"I think the Premier League has a basic promise to organise the fixtures in a normal way," the Frenchman said.

"The guy who organised the fixtures this season must have come out of a special school, because he is more intelligent than I am!

"For sure, he has never played football, organising midweek games in a week when you have a Europa League.

"We have some teams who do not play at all. We play Sunday and Wednesday away and at home on Saturday against Hull, who have not played all week.

"It is also damaging for Burnley."

Wenger said he was also frustrated by the fact that Man United got to play a Wolves reserves team because Mick McCarthy was more worried about his sides fixture with Burnley this Saturday, who are nearer to them on the league table than Sir Alex Ferguson's men are.

"It is sad, but what can I do about that? I am responsible for Arsenal," he added.

"We compete with Manchester United over 37 games instead of 38.

"I believe it is a problem for the international credibility of the Premier League, but it is not my problem, it is a Premier League problem."

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Andrew Slevison
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