London, Mar 6: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is targeted for rough treatment by his opponents because “sometimes his arrogance is provocative.”

“Sometimes I feel Manchester United get too much protection and sometimes they don’''t get enough and Ronaldo is a specific example of that. Sometimes his arrogance is provocative – and his class as well,” The Telegraph quoted Wenger, as saying.

On Wednesday, Newcastle United’s Alan Smith, who escaped punishment, scythed the European Footballer of the Year down. “When there is a bad tackle you have to be punished and get sent off,” Wenger said.

He believes the Football Association should clamp down more on particularly violent challenges. “They could create a special committee to analyse if three (games’ suspension) is enough or not. I feel in some tackles 10 games is not enough.”

Ronaldo was also struck in the face by Newcastle’s right back, Steven Taylor, but the FA said no punishment would be taken against Taylor.

Ronaldo himself was cautioned for diving in Sunday’s Carling Cup final, a booking that outraged Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. (ANI)