Salut!

You will no doubt be aware that I have been in a bit of hot water this week, after being sent off during Aston Villa's Premiership clash with Leicester City.

The Football Association have charged me with misconduct, and I have requested a personal hearing which I shall attend with the Professional Footballers' Association to answer the charges.

My reaction was totally in the heat-of-the-moment. I received a dangerous tackle from Dennis Wise, the kind which if it makes full contact can result in a broken leg, and I was very angry about it.

My reflexes just made me kick back at him, although I did not make contact with him, and referee Steve Bennett had no option but to show me a red card.

When I came off, I spoke to the fourth official Clive Wilkes to air my frustration, and although I pointed my finger at him I hardly assaulted him. I swore to myself as I walked away, but I certainly did not swear at Mr Wilkes.

My reaction was completely out of character, and I did not mean to be disrespectful, but like I say I was frustrated at having been sent off not long after coming on.

I have issued a public apology for my behaviour and have also sent a letter to the Football Association. Now I must wait to learn my punishment.

Naturally I hope the FA will see my side of things and hand out only the mandatory three-match ban. If, however, the punishment is six games, I will miss the matches with Ipswich (home), Derby (away), Liverpool (home), Tottenham (home), Sunderland (away) and the third round of the FA Cup. I would not be available again until the home match with Derby on January 12.

I know I have not been given much of a chance to play this season, but I do not wish to spend all that time sitting in the stands. The New Year is always a busy time, when managers often need to make full use of their squads, so I was hoping I might have been given a chance to play. I shall just wait and see and hope for the best.

I am back in London this weekend as Villa face a massive game at Arsenal on Sunday. We missed the chance on Wednesday to move into third place in the Premiership, level on points with Arsenal, when West Ham scored a last gasp leveller.

If we can win at Highbury it will be a massive result, and it will set the tone for the holiday programme, so let's hope things go our way.

A bientôt,

David Ginola.


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