Arsenal have been accused of ‘fumbling their biggest game in 16 years’ after a pre-match display against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates last night which has been widely mocked.
The north London club showcased two large tifos ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to PSG after reportedly rejecting a proposal from fans on the designs because of timescale reasons.
One was a large red flag featuring the club’s cannon emblem in white draped from the North Bank Stand roof.
A crowd surfer banner in the East Stand with the words ‘make it happen’ was also used, a pre-match message Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had issued to his squad.
Rival fans mocked the displays on social media, while some Gunners fans expressed their disappointment at what was unveiled.
The Red Action supporters’ group, who work to improve the atmosphere at the Emirates, posted on X: ‘When it gets to this point in a season, folks with a degree in “brand management” or “social media awareness” should be in the background.
Arsenal displayed a flag ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg with PSG
A supporters group voiced their frustration with the club’s preparations prior to the PSG clash
‘Allow the actual fans with five, 10, 15, 20 years’ experience of following this club to set the temperature.’
The account added: ‘The club fumbled our biggest home game in 16 years.’
The subdued atmosphere in general was also criticised, following a raucous reception for Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Real Madrid on April 8 which was hailed as among the best in the stadium’s history.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Wayne Rooney said: ‘I was a bit disappointed with how they played and the fans as well. Against (Real) Madrid they were excellent, but today they were subdued and it was an anti-climax. The fans had to be there tonight.
‘On both sides, it wasn’t good enough from Arsenal.’
