Wenger: I'm not giving Ozil special treatment

Posted Friday, April 03, 2015 by Goal.com

The Germany star avoided internal disciplinary action despite reportedly having been seen clubbing in Berlin just hours after he missed the win at Newcastle through illness

Arsene Wenger has denied that he gives preferential treatment to Mesut Ozil after the Arsenal star avoided disciplinary action despite being caught partying just hours after he missed his side’s win over Newcastle through illness.

Wenger confirmed he had spoken to the former Real Madrid midfielder and was satisfied with his explanation.

Wojciech Szczesny and Jack Wilshere have both been reprimanded in the past for smoking in public, but Wenger denied that Ozil enjoys favouritism.

The Frenchman was asked if Ozil was getting off lightly after reportedly being caught clubbing in Berlin, despite missing the trip to St James’ Park with a cold, to which he replied: "I’m not going soft on discipline. I’ve fined people when they work for us and don’t respect the discipline.

"On that front I don’t think you can stop anybody from wishing a happy birthday to a friend when he is in his own country."