Theo Walcott says Arsenal fans did something ‘horrific’ recently, it was ‘unacceptable’

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Theo Walcott has witnessed almost everything from Arsenal fans over the years.

The Englishman spent over a decade as a Gunner after joining them from Southampton in 2006. He played 397 games in all competitions during his time at the Emirates and scored more than 100 goals for the club.

In that period, Walcott received both praise and criticism. He was a hero on some occasions and was berated for his performances at others.

After experiencing all that, nothing should really surprise Walcott. However, what some Arsenal fans did to Noni Madueke over the summer has clearly upset him.

Theo Walcott hits out at some Arsenal fans’ treatment of Noni Madueke

When news emerged that Arsenal wanted to sign Madueke, there was a lot of backlash from a section of the fan base.

The big issue for many of them was that the Gunners were signing another player from Chelsea, which has become a common theme in transfer windows in recent years.

That led to some supporters starting a petition online to try and convince Arsenal to abandon their pursuit of the England international winger.

Mikel Arteta gave no heed to that and went ahead with the signing, and Madueke has been excellent in the famous red and white.

Theo Walcott hailed the 23-year-old’s mentality in a video on Amazon Prime Sport, but he also criticised those who signed that petition in the summer.

He said: “What I’ve really been impressed with is Madueke.

“Noni Madueke, for me, I thought it was horrific the petition that was signed by so-called fans. It was unacceptable.

“However, it just shows the mental strength he has to be an England international as well, and to put pressure on Bukayo (Saka), which I think is a good thing. I had players like Alexis Sanchez, Tomas Rosicky, Van Persie and Giroud – all these guys that want to put pressure on you, and it’s a good thing.”

How Noni Madueke reacted to Arsenal fans’ petition speaks volumes

It must be very difficult for a player to see petitions against him just as he is about to join a club.

Madueke, who is only 23 years old, had to experience that in the summer, and most people that age would’ve crumbled under the pressure.

However, the Englishman wowed Arteta with his response to all the noise.

The Arsenal manager said in September, as per The Morning Star: “A lot of courage, that’s how I describe him. A lot of quality but a lot of courage.

“When we were about to sign him and there was that reaction around him [the petition], I spoke to him and he was like: ‘I go for it, I cannot wait to put that shirt on and play for you guys.’

“I said: ‘Wow, let’s bring him. If I was convinced before, I’m more convinced now that he’s going to do it.’”