Arsene Wenger has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is paying the price of his own arrogance when he gets targetted for rough treatment from opponents. But the Arsenal manager still believes that deserves better protection from match officials. Wenger thinks reckless tackles are on the rise in the Premier League and he fears for the likes of United's Portuguese star.

"Sometimes I feel Manchester United get too much protection and sometimes they don't get enough and Ronaldo is a specific example of that," Wenger said. "Sometimes his arrogance is provocative - and his class as well. But when a player is not protected it's not right. When there is a bad tackle you have to be punished and get sent off the pitch."

And, in his pre-match press conference, Sir Alex Ferguson agreed with Wenger on why his No7 might be perceived as being arrogant. "What Arsene said is that it sometimes appears as though there is an arrogance (with Ronaldo) and I can understand what he is saying," he explained.

"When a player is expressing himself in such an entertaining way, then defenders don't enjoy it. It was the same when George Best was a player -- exactly the same. But what people don't understand is that it's not about what people are prepared to do, it's about having the courage to do it.

"That's the great asset that Ronaldo holds. He has wonderful courage and always wants to entertain and do something good with the ball. So that's it as far as I'm concerned."

Ronaldo was involved in a tunnel bust-up with Newcastle's Steven Taylor during United's 2-1 win over Newcastle at St James' Park on Wednesday, the fracas having been triggered by a challenge from Taylor out on the pitch.

Recent weeks have also seen Wigan's Lee Cattermole red carded for a lunge at West Ham's Scott Parker while Everton's Victor Anichebe will miss the rest of the season as a result of Kevin Nolan's two-footed tackle on 22 January.

I feel in some tackles ten games is not enough.
Arsene Wenger on bigger suspensions.

Wenger wants to see bans of up to ten matches introduced for guilty players, claiming three matches is not enough when the victims can be sidelined for so long. "They could create a special committee to analyse if three games suspension is enough or not," he said. "I feel in some tackles ten games is not enough."

Wenger meanwhile is looking forward to seeing Theo Walcott back in the first time. The England winger has recovered from a shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined since November and will be in the Gunners squad for Sunday's delayed FA Cup fifth round tie against Burnley, at the Emirates.

Kolo Toure is ruled out by a calf problem but fellow defender William Gallas is fit again after an ankle injury. Burnley will be below full strength because on-loan defender Rhys Williams has been refused permission to play by his parent club Middlesbrough, who are still involved in the competition.