"If they feel that, that's their prerogative," he said. "But Dan Smith is by no means a dirty player.
"He's gone to win the ball and yes, unfortunately, he has caught the player. We all hope he's okay and wish him a speedy recovery.
"But you have to understand the player's tackling, and I think that's a little bit unfair, to be honest with you.
"Mr Wenger can say what he likes. That's his opinion.
"In my opinion, I felt Dan did go for the ball and the lad knocked it away and he accidentally caught him.
"Yes, it isn't an injury you want to see happen to a player, but it wasn't malicious. He went for the ball and the player passed it quicker than Dan could get there."