Arsene Wenger backs Sam Allardyce to clear his name

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Sam Allardyce to "clear his name" following a newspaper sting on the England boss.

Allardyce was secretly filmed by the The Telegraph as he appeared to offer advice on how to "get around" FA transfer rules on third-party ownership of players, criticise the FA's decision to rebuild Wembley and mock his predecessor Roy Hodgson.

Reports have suggested that the 61-year-old is on the verge of being sacked as a result of the revelations, but Wenger believes that the former Sunderland boss should be given the opportunity to defend himself.

"I haven't even read the story and I would not like to come out on that. It is too damageable and too heavy as a story, you have to let Sam Allardyce defend himself and I just hope he will clear his name," he told reporters.

"Nothing is proven. At the moment it is only suggestions. We have to be careful, we live in a society that is very quick to accuse people. Sam Allardyce as well, until they have done something wrong (they shouldn't be treated as guilty).

"Third party ownership should not be allowed, I have fought against it a long long time, the club should own 100% of their players."

Allardyce only took the reins with England in July, and has overseen just one match so far during his tenure.