Jonas Eidevall: Claims of 'bullying' are 'borderline slander', says Arsenal boss

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall says claims he "bullied" the fourth official during Sunday's Women's Super League victory over Manchester City are "borderline slander".

City boss Gareth Taylor made the claim to BBC Sport, saying he was "protecting" official Melissa Burgin because of Eidevall's behaviour.

Eidevall says he "does not intend to go into any legal proceedings" over it.

"I did nothing there that I would be ashamed of, or I would hide," he said.

Following Arsenal's 2-1 win at Meadow Park, Taylor told BBC Sport: "That is always the same with him because he is constantly at the fourth official and I think it is bullying. I am protecting the fourth official but that's not my job."

But Swede Eidevall responded: "I was really disappointed with the comments. There is no truth in them. The wording that Gareth [Taylor] used afterwards is borderline slander.

"Either he is not very good with the truth or he is not very good with the language. Either way, I don't think it's acceptable.

"I've not spoken to Gareth. I don't think his comments are acceptable and I would expect him to reach out with an apology, but I'm not sure if that's going to happen."

Eidevall was not booked or spoken to by the referee in regards to his conduct during the game.

Asked again on Monday about Eidevall's behaviour, Taylor said he stood by his initial post-match comments and added: "I think it was over the top - it's unnecessary.

"If it's a one off, it's fine. But if it's constant, constant all the time, then I think that's where it becomes a problem."

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner was also asked on Wednesday for his opinion on the comments and said there have been occasions where he has faced Eidevall and "that passion runs high on the sidelines".

Eidevall admitted he has been "passionate" and has "at times lost my temper", but insisted he "acts like the coach I want to be".

"I think any football manager in the job for 20 years like I have been, have all been in that position [of being passionate]," he added.

"I think the person who hasn't been there is not telling the truth. I do really think it is unacceptable to say things about a fellow colleague that is not true.

"Anyone who was at the game and could see my behaviour, can also see there is not a single percentage of truth in that. I think that is quite sad to be honest. That's why I think it is unacceptable."