Mikel Arteta explains awkward chat with Arsenal fan ahead of Wolves Premier League clash
Mikel Arteta has revealed he felt “exposed” after being confronted by an autograph hunter while sitting in his car with his family outside the Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal manager was targeted by a persistent supporter following the club’s FA Cup victory over Wigan on Sunday, with footage circulating on social media showing the individual repeatedly requesting Arteta wind down his window to sign a shirt.
Arteta declined the request while his vehicle remained stationary in traffic near the ground.
Arsenal conducted a review of security measures surrounding players and staff three years ago, identifying autograph hunters seeking to sell signed memorabilia as a significant safety concern.
Speaking about the incident, Arteta said: “I always try to be very respectful.
“I love to sign and (take) photographs 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.
“And especially when certain people are doing it, they are not doing it for the right reasons.”
The Spaniard referenced a previous occasion involving his wife, stating that media coverage of that encounter was “totally wrong and unfair.”
He added: “And then 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.”
Five things to know about Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta | PA/GETTY
In separate club news, Arsenal has confirmed the introduction of safe standing at the Emirates Stadium from next season.
The announcement comes alongside an average price increase of 3.9 per cent for season tickets, representing the fifth successive year supporters have faced rising costs.
The safe standing initiative follows extensive discussions between the club and the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust, forming part of ongoing efforts to enhance the matchday atmosphere at the ground.
Arsenal has sought to maximise all available revenue streams in recent years, with the club citing increased stadium operating costs as a factor behind the pricing decision.
The combination of announcements has drawn a mixed response from the fanbase.
Arsenal can go seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table if they beat Wolves tonight
|
PA
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust has voiced its disappointment at the price increase, criticising the club’s decision not to adopt the Football Supporters’ Association’s “Protect the Fans, Protect the Game” proposals, which called for a ticket price freeze across all Premier League clubs.
In a statement, the AST said: “We firmly believe that with the football sector benefitting from ever-increasing broadcast and commercial revenues, it is time to stop squeezing match-going supporters so hard.”
The supporters’ group has demanded greater transparency from both Arsenal and the Premier League regarding their rejection of the campaign’s arguments.
“We now expect both Arsenal and the Premier League to give more explanation as to why they have chosen to ignore the compelling case for a price freeze,” the statement added.
