Olivier Giroud was Arsenal’s FA Cup hero on Saturday, but their victory was marred by ugly clashes between their own supporters.
The Frenchman scored twice before substitute Theo Walcott hit a late winner for Arsene Wenger’s side against resilient Brighton.
But the win was overshadowed by a fight among Arsenal supporters after a fan unfurled a banner calling for Wenger to leave the club.
Time to go: This banner, shown here and below at the Reading game, was unfurled in the win over Brighton and lead to fist fights between Arsenal fans
It read: ‘Arsene, thanks for the memories but it’s time to say goodbye.’
The banner sparked fury among Wenger supporters who ordered the supporter to put it away.
The brawl, which occurred around the 80-minute mark, saw a number of punches thrown.
One supporter, understood to be the man who unravelled the banner, was ejected from the stadium.
Frustrations among supporters were growing after Brighton twice pegged Arsenal back after Giroud put them ahead on two separate occasions.
The France striker has now scored 13 goals in an increasingly productive first season in English football.
Hard to handle: Olivier Giroud (right) scored two in the win against Brighton, taking his tally for the season to 13
‘When he gets in the fighting mode, he [Giroud] is difficult to handle,’ said Wenger.
‘He could have played 20 years ago in England, 10 years ago and today because he has everything you need to play centre-forward.
‘Usually we go more for mobile players, but he gives us something different, and I believe with him and Theo we have a good partnership.’
Meanwhile, Thomas Vermaelen will return to the Arsenal starting line-up for Wednesday’s clash against Liverpool after missing the clash against Gus Poyet’s side with an ankle injury.
Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Bacary Sagna Santi Cazorla and Walcott are all likely to return to the starting XI for the match against Brendan Rodgers’ side after being rested on Saturday.
Arsenal declined to comment on the fans’ incident.
No comment: Arsenal declined to comment on the incident between fans
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2269223/A-fight-broke-Arsenal-supporters-fan-revealed-banner-calling-Arsene-Wenger-leave-club.html#ixzz2JEyFm6Od
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