as a game, it was dire, especially after the celebratory start - Henry's goal scoring record, Wenger's birthday etc. Riley was a pain and both teams felt aggrieved as decisions as well as having the game broken up - when on song its a flowing game that opponents try to break up, so doesnt need the ref doing that.
as to the incident, it was legal (passing is allowed and there was only one touch) *IMHO* but it was unwise/stupid and botched - apparently a practised move to celebrate - Wenger having a birthday and Henry scoring/setting new record in front of Highbury crowd. Pires/Henry have both apologised with Henry taking the blame. These bizzare things happen, just extremely fortunate that points were not dropped in race for 2nd place - but hang on, its only October and points leads have been lost before - but hey, its only a (very addictive, hugely entertaining, self-obsessed, big business) game!