GILLINGHAM striker Iffy Onuora today moved to rescue Patrick Vieira's season, clearing him of all responsibility for eye injuries sustained in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Arsenal.

National newspapers are speculating that the France World Cup star faces suspension for half of Arsenal's remaining 12 Premiership matches following allegations that he elbowed the Gills forward.

Vieira is already scheduled for a personal hearing at FA headquarters in the next two weeks to defend a similar charge brought against him following an incident with Chelsea's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on Boxing Day.

If found guility he will receive a three-match ban, though the sentence could be doubled should the FA disciplinary committee decide that video evidence referee Andy D'Urso's report indicate there is a case to answer from Saturday.

The Football Association said they were waiting on Mr D'Urso's report before deciding whether or not to investigate Saturday's incident which occurred in the 29th minute.

But Onuora retorted: "There are quotes which I gave to a couple of national newspapers after the game that have been twisted.

"I was hit in one eye by Sol Campbell and then the other by Patrick. I was disappointed because I wear contact lenses but these things happen week in, week out in football.

"I want to make it perfectly clear that I don't believe there was any malice involved. I've already been in touch with Sol through Ade Akinbiyi, who's his best mate. Should Patrick need any testimony from me I will give it."

He added: "This has been a lot of fuss about nothing. I think certain of the national press boys are looking for an angle simply because it's Patrick Vieira. Should he want assistance from me, I'll give it."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacted angrily to the latest attack on his star midfielder. "I think there's a campaign to get him charged by the FA every time," he said. "If he was an England player going to the World Cup I don't think it would be the same."