It's not only Arsenal's players who have been stung by William Gallas this week, the defender's France teammates have also copped criticism. Gallas has caused a stir in France as well this week with his autobiography that reports unrest in the France camp during their disastrous Euro 2008 finals, singling out a player who he felt was disrespecting older members of the squad.

It led to a training-ground confrontation between the pair.

Gallas wrote: "I was also 20 years old once. I would never have allowed myself to speak in this tone to a footballer who was older than me."

He added: "The youngsters from the Euros seem cheeky, very sure of themselves. They think they know it all, but they don't know anything.

"Faced with his contempt, I raised my voice. The young player said: 'Lower your voice, speak less loudly.'

"I replied: 'How are you speaking to me? Who do you think you are? You are only 20 years old. I am not your friend.'

"He said: 'Me neither, I am not your friend."'