Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reacted to the unsavoury scenes that unfolded outside the Emirates after the Wigan Athletic victory.
There was a frenzy on social media as footage emerged of Arteta refusing to sign a fan’s shirt outside of the Emirates.
The Arsenal manager was attempting to leave the ground in his car when a fan stood by his window, pleading for a signature on their shirt.
Some fans thought the boss was being unreasonable, while others supported the Spaniard’s decision to put his safety first. Now, Arteta has commented.
GRADE Mikel Arteta’s management at Arsenal this season so far…
Mikel Arteta reacts to fan interaction outside of the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal’s win against Wigan
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Wolves at Molineux, Arteta was asked about the incident.
“I always try to be very respectful,” Arteta made very clear.
“I love to sign and photograph as much as we can. I think it’s part of our role, but there are certain things in terms of security that we have to respect.”
The boss then alluded to the growing issue of profiting from signed memorabilia sales, continuing by raising concerns about player safety outside of the Emirates.
What did YOU think when you saw the video of Mikel Arteta declining to sign a shirt outside of the Emirates?
“Especially with certain people, they are doing it because they are not doing it for the right reasons. And we have other examples.
“The last time my wife was there, and what was in the media was totally wrong and unfair, but that’s it. I prefer to talk about incredible other people that come around generally because they want to have that interaction.
“I think everybody knows me, how happy I am to do that, but there are moments and contexts that are not the case.”
It’s a shame that the boss had to address the situation in such detail, as while he is adored like a celebrity at Arsenal, he is only human.
Mikel Arteta now calls for a security change at the Emirates Stadium
After sharing his version of events, Arteta made it clear that he wants protection for himself and his players outside of the ground, given how uncomfortable some situations can be.
“We need somebody there to protect us as well, because if not, we will get exposed, and you cannot move from your car, and you don’t feel very comfortable there, but that’s it. I take it on the chin.”
A reporter then asked Arteta to clarify, “Is something changing in terms of security?”
The boss replied, “Hopefully it will change, because it cannot continue like this.”
Arteta has made positive changes to the Emirates before, and now he wants to do it again, this time, focusing on protection outside of the stadium.
It’s positive that Arteta was given the platform to speak on the matter, which clearly made the manager very uncomfortable.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
