Arca Tackle Has Both Managers Keeping Quiet!

Last updated : 21 December 2008 By Boro Mad

Fulham climbed to eighth in the Barclays Premier League with a three-goal demolition of Boro at Craven Cottage, and although the two gaffas were happy to talk of the "penalty that never was" ... they decided not to talk about Arca's horror challenge.

Arca almost put through his own goal in the 21st minute when he cleared the ball off the toes of Simon Davies but fortunately for Middlesbrough it went just wide of an upright.

He was lucky again ten minutes later when referee Keith Stroud did not produce a red-card for his dreadful over the top lunge on Andrew Johnson.

The Fulham striker was fit enough to continue but words were expressed on the touchline between Fulham coach Roy Hodgson and Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate.

But Arca's x-rated challenge was forgotten in the 41st minute when Fulham got the breakthrough that set them on their way to victory.

Turnbull, McMahon, Riggott, Huth (Taylor 85), Pogatetz, Johnson (Emnes 80), Shawky, Arca (Mido 46), Downing, Aliadiere, Sanli.

Subs Not Used: Jones, Alves, Wheater, Walker.