Williams denies aiming at van Persie

Williams denies aiming at van Persie

Published Dec. 24, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

Swansea defender Ashley Williams says he did not kick the ball at Robin van Persie's head on purpose during Sunday's match with Manchester United.

A Williams clearance smashed into a prone van Persie during the 1-1 draw, an incident which led to a scuffle and a booking for the Swansea man.

And Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said after the game that he was convinced Williams had deliberately hit van Persie.

The United boss said: "It's a disgraceful act and he (Williams) should be banned for a long, long time".

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Asked about Ferguson's reaction, Williams told the Daily Telegraph: "It's his opinion, he's entitled to it. I understand why van Persie was angry but I've kicked the ball away in frustration, I wasn't trying to hit him in the head.

"I tried to say sorry but he wasn't having it. I haven't spoken to him since the game and I didn't shake hands afterwards, but only because I didn't see him. As far as I'm concerned, it's no big deal.

"If I had tried to hit him on the head deliberately, I would have missed! It's not like I'm going to shoot and hit him square in the head like that."

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