Arsenal's Wenger calls for refs' overhaul

Arsene Wenger believes UEFA need to overhaul the way they choose referees after accusing Sweden's Martin Hansson of not being competent.

The Arsenal manager insists Hansson was wrong to allow Porto's second goal against the Gunners in the 2-1 Champions League de-feat in Portugal on Wednesday after giving an indirect free-kick in the box following a backpass by Sol Campbell which goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski picked up.

Wenger said: "It has to be clarified first of all how they nominate referees for games. UEFA have to be much more open on how they rate their referees. Nobody knows really how they name their referees.

"Where is the ranking of the referees? I believe too much has gone on in the last 30 years. What has happened is not good for football."

When asked if Hansson, the referee who missed Thierry Henry's notorious handball in France's World Cup play-off against Ireland, should be refereeing at Champions League level Wenger said: "I don't know. Usually I trust the referee. But he missed a 100% penalty on Rosicky. That is a judgment in a second that I can accept. For me, the backpass of Sol Campbell was accidental.

"He has judged it is voluntary. Ok we have a difference there. That I can accept. Technically so many mistakes. His body position. Where he stands is completely wrong at the moment he gives a free-kick.

"He takes the ball from Fabianski. They score. What he does doesn't make sense and is against the rules of the referees. So when a guy makes so many technical mistakes that are not even linked to judgment, I believe he is not competent."