Potters not dirty - Higginbotham

Danny Higginbotham re-joined the Potters from Sunderland in September

Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham claims the Potters are not a dirty team following Arsene Wenger's accusations of their overly aggressive tactics.

City came in for very public criticism from the Arsenal boss following the Gunners' 2-1 defeat at the Britannia.

But Higginbotham told BBC Radio Stoke: "We're not a dirty team and people will see that for themselves.

"The things he said were not nice. None of the players in this team would go out to intentionally hurt anyone."

Rory Delap and Ryan Shawcross were singled out in particular by Wenger for the tackles that injured Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor respectively. But Higginbotham was quick to defend his team-mates.

"I've played with Rory for eight years," said Higginbotham. "And he hasn't got a nasty bone in his body.

"And Ryan is a young lad who wouldn't hurt anyone."

Despite the injuries sustained by Walcott and Adebayor, Higginbotham said he feels the Stoke pair have every right to be upset at the comments of the Arsenal boss.

"If it was me I would definitely be aggrieved," said Higginbotham.

"Obviously injuries have occurred, and Theo's was a disappointing one. But, at the end of the day, it was just a tackle. He didn't get kicked in the shoulder. It was just the way he fell."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis admits to concerns that referees may treat the Potters harshly following Wenger's comments. But Higginbotham said he still expects the Potters to be treated fairly.

"Referees are scrutinised in every game," he said, "so I don't think they are going to go out of their way to do something to put them under more pressure.

"But we're not really interested in this speculation.

"We know what sort of team we are and we've just beaten one of the top teams in Europe."

Stoke are back in action on Saturday against Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium (1245 GMT).