Henry loses his cool with fan

THIERRY Henry was involved in an angry confrontation with a fan after Arsenal’s shock defeat at Swansea City on Sunday night.

The Frenchman appeared to invite one of his own supporters down on to the field in an aggressive manner after the Gunners were out-passed and out-witted as Swansea came from behind to win a pulsating clash 3-2.

Henry, who came on as a 63rdminute substitute and gave the ball away in the build-up to Swansea’s winner, was enraged by a comment from the away end.

The on-loan Arsenal legend, who completed a fairytale return to the club with a late winner against Leeds in the FA Cup last week, was leading his team in applauding the Arsenal support when one fan is understood to have vented his fury at the players.

A club spokesperson confirmed that Henry had said: “No matter what, you should support the team.” Television footage, however, appears to show Henry angrily gesticulating and aggressively shouting towards the terraces.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was unhappy with his side’s performance but reserved his most stinging criticism for referee Michael Oliver and Nathan Dyer, who he accused of diving.

Wenger, incensed that Oliver awarded a penalty for Aaron Ramsey’s first-half challenge on Dyer, said: “The game was difficult because Swansea played well and also it was decided by some strange decisions. One was by the referee, who gave a penalty that was a complete imagination and a good dive. Well done to the player who did it.

“But our defensive performance was not good enough and that is why we lost the game.”

• Chelsea have completed the protracted signing of Gary Cahill from Bolton. The England defender (26) becomes manager Andre VillasBoas’ first January recruit.

Cahill’s capture, for a fee of £7 million, follows a fortnight of wrangling over the player’s personal terms. The parties reportedly settled on wages of £80 000-per-week on Friday, £20 000 less than Cahill was said to be demanding. The player then travelled to London to undergo a medical and watched his new club’s 1-0 Premier League win over Sunderland on Saturday.

Chelsea were once again far from convincing at the back and supporters will be hoping Cahill can provide the much-needed solidity for which they were long renowned.

• Inter Milan have ramped up their bid to prise Carlos Tevez away from Manchester City by lodging a £21 million offer.

After city rivals AC Milan pulled out of the race to sign the rebel striker, Inter have now stepped up their chase. The offer does not meet City’s valuation of the player although they may be tempted to accept the cash offer to wash their hands of the want-away star. – Daily Mail