A SQUAD of soccer-mad Bolton school children have disproved a top manager's theory of football.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the world that his team committed more fouls than other clubs because his Highbury pitch was too small.

Now keen-eyed maths pupils from Canon Slade High School have discovered the startling truth -- that the Gunners just enjoy a bit of rough and tumble.

They carried out a scientific investigation at the Reebok Stadium's study centre and discovered there is more chance of fouls being committed during games on bigger pitches.

Wanderers fan Josh Burt, aged 12, told the Bolton Evening News: "We're going to send Mr Wenger our figures now. I don't think he'll be too happy that we've been able to prove him wrong."

Wenger told the media last season that his club were at the bottom of the fair play league because his pitch was a touch too tiny, resulting in more physical contact between players.

Pitches can be between 100 and 120 yards long and between 50 and 100 yards wide. But Arsenal's is just 110 by 71 yards.

The Canon Slade pupils put his theory to the test by collecting thousands of match statistics.

Then they found out the size of every pitch in the Premiership and correlated pitch size and the number of fouls on a graph.

They discovered that there should be more fouls on bigger grounds such as Manchester City's Maine Road.

And they are now tying to work out why -- so they can help Wanderers next season.

Their teacher Angela Heiron said: "The group of 15 children who took part in this project have really surpassed themselves.

"I'm amazed at how well they've done. Coming to the centre has helped them enjoy maths so much more."

Wanderers' statistics man Matt Hockin said he will definitely put the children's results to good use next season.

He said: "They came to learn, but they taught us so much as well."