Away run will show Liverpool's standing

Nov 8 2006 Red Watch by Andy Proudfoot, Daily Post

Watch out for Mr Nasty

MANY thanks to Arsene Wenger for his timely contribution to my upcoming Sky TV documentary, "When Managers Attack".

This interesting example of what can happen when a normally mild-mannered creature is provoked beyond reason is a salutary lesson for those tempted by the apparent docility of the breed to encroach upon their personal space, or their natural habitat known as the 'Technical Area'.

Once enraged, even the normally reliable cry of "he's not worth it Arsene" will frequently fail to calm their aggressive intent.

Curiously though, their fighting style is not sophisticated; indeed it is often impossible to tell whether the protagonist is a boy or a girl.

After an initial skirmish, the manager will often brood and rebuff attempts at reconciliation, decline to speak and refuse to 'come out and play'.

This will often persist for a few days, but normal behaviour is soon restored, with the manager turning their attention to their natural enemy, the Referee, whom they frequently attack with surprising venom and no little hypocrisy.

Don't miss it. On a more serious note, the coin-throwing episodes at the weekend were a depressing reminder of the dark days of the 1970s.

Don't laugh and cheer if you see this happen near you - 'shop' the culprit, or risk watching the match through protective screens.