Ruud tries to defend himself.
Van Nist defends Cole horror tackle
Ruud van Nistelrooy has claimed there was no malice in his much-criticised challenge on Ashley Cole during Manchester United's 2-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Holland international has been charged with serious foul play by the Football Association after kicking the England defender on the knee.
However, van Nistelrooy told The Sun: 'We both just went for the ball. It was a 50-50 ball and in these situations two players can collide.'
Under the FA's new fast-track disciplinary system, his case will be dealt with on Thursday.
Van Nistelrooy's challenge, missed by referee Mike Riley, was branded `a disgrace' by BBC TV pundit Alan Hansen, who claimed the forward's actions were `nasty and cynical'.
They also brought a `cheat' jibe from Arsene Wenger which is thought to have played some part in the tunnel fracas that erupted after the game that ended Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten run.
'We know how Ruud van Nistelrooy behaves,' said Wenger. 'He can only cheat people - we know him very well.'
Wenger has been asked by the FA to explain those comments while van Nistelrooy has just today to answer the charge which has been brought under FA Rule E3 - for serious foul play.
Van Nistelrooy, meanwhile, has admitted to having doubts over the validity of his penalty which put United ahead.
Wayne Rooney appeared to have been brought down by Sol Campbell in the box but television replays later suggested there had been minimal contact.
'At first sight I thought it was a penalty,' said van Nistelrooy. 'I can understand why the referee gave it because of the angle he was looking from. But afterwards, when I saw it on television, I had doubts.'
Man I posted a lot of articles eh?