Following the 4-0 FA Cup win over Hull City, some Arsenal fans displayed a banner asking for Arsene Wenger to leave the club.
The banner, which read “Arsene thanks for the memories but it’s time to say goodbye”, has sparked a huge reaction and debate on Twitter among Arsenal fans. Some fans supported the move, however, the majority of them criticized the decision to display the banner after a convincing win at KC Stadium.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who was working as a pundit during BT Sport’s coverage of the game, belonged to the latter category and called the incident “really disappointing.”
The Arsenal fan, who displayed the banner, confronted Wright on Twitter with the following tweet:
@IanWright0 maybe you should respect the fans who have a voice an want change, I held it up, why don’t you say it to me mate
— Mr Marmite DT © (@DeejayDt) March 8, 2016
Wright responded and called the fan ‘bellend’.
.@DeejayDt I’ll disrespect you all day long unfurling your muggy banner after a 4-0 win and plenty enough games left in the league.
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) March 8, 2016
Things got a bit nasty after this:
@IanWright0 fuck off Wrighty, you don’t pay the money we do, you don’t put up with what we do, prick!
— Mr Marmite DT © (@DeejayDt) March 8, 2016
Following this tweet, lots of Arsenal fans came out in support of Wright on Twitter and criticized the fan for abusing the club legend.
Ian Wright did have the final say on the matter by pointing out what he has done for the North London club.
I’ve paid with my fused ankle! 6 injections in a week to play 94 FA cup! Will limp forever! And I’d do it again. https://t.co/xhBTIpQhYe
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) March 8, 2016
Since then, the ‘now-famous’ Arsenal fan has apologized for his comments about Wright.
I’m not getting into a debate with @IanWright0, he abused me 1st, I responded, I love AFC and I only want what’s best, apologies from me
— Mr Marmite DT © (@DeejayDt) March 8, 2016
But, he insists that he will continue to display the banner in future games:
The banner will continue to go to every game, and I’ve more than 50 people who will take it in, you ain’t shutting us up so carry on crying
— Mr Marmite DT © (@DeejayDt) March 8, 2016