Dirk Kuyt has claimed that he DID in fact know the match referee from last Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates in the first of two European encounters against the Gooners, but denies any favouritism from match referee Pieter Vink.

“The penalty decision was right. It was close, sure, but I don’t think it was a penalty, and it is definitely wrong to say that the referee did me a favour because I know him. That’s ridiculous. He knows Robin Van Persie as well as he knows me. It was a fair decision.” said Kuyt.

“We both come from the same area. He comes from Leiden and that where I grew up also.”I did touch Hleb, but I didn’t pull his shirt or hold him.

“I played in Holland a lot of times when he was the referee, and he gave me some good decisions and some bad ones. So I don’t think he favours me.” he added.