Former UFC champion Conor McGregor was recently able to interact with Bukayo Saka on the Emirates Stadium pitch.
The incident between Bukayo Saka and Conor McGregor took place after Arsenal’s recent Champions League victory over PSG.
The martial artist made his way onto the pitch and was seen aiming playful kicks at the Hale End academy graduate. Arsenal fans were not pleased with McGregor’s behaviour.
It later transpired that Arsenal had not invited McGregor onto the pitch, and his appearance there came as an unwelcome surprise from the North London club’s perspective.
Mikel Arteta will, of course, be concerned for his players’ welfare in light of this transgression, and as such the Gunners are now preparing to take firm action to ensure that this situation is not repeated.
Arsenal to change rules after Conor McGregor confronts Bukayo Saka
As reported by Metro, Arsenal are now considering a “major” rule change at the Emirates Stadium, which will mean that players shall be banned from interacting with corporate guests in the ground on match days.
This will be a protective measure, aiming to ensure that members of Arteta’s squad cannot come to harm or be brought into disrepute as a result of interaction with guests.
On top of that, as per the aforementioned report, Arsenal are now launching an internal investigation in order to get to the bottom of how McGregor was able to find his way onto the pitch in the first place.
Arsenal have duty of care
Whilst Arteta’s primary job is to coach his players and prepare them to win football matches, he and the club itself have a responsibility to protect the players as individuals, on and off the pitch.
The Spanish coach has routinely, in his time as manager, hailed the importance of unity within his squad and extolled the virtues of cultivating a family-like connection between his players. This extends beyond the dressing room, too, as evidenced by the actions the club are now considering in the wake of McGregor’s transgression.
It is Arsenal’s duty to protect players whilst they are at the Emirates Stadium, and this is clearly a responsibility that they take seriously.
In any case, it now seems certain that McGregor will never be seen on the the Emirates Stadium turf again.
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