Arsenal were the topic of discussion on talkSPORT earlier today as Laura Woods and Ally McCoist shared their thoughts on a video of players ignoring a mascot.
What’s the story?
Well, ahead of Sunday’s 2-2 draw against West Ham, Arsenal posted a video of the players signing a shirt for their matchday mascot.
While that in itself is a nice gesture, the Arsenal players have been widely criticised for their lack of acknowledgement towards the young girl, who barely received eye contact from those signing her shirt.
You can see the video in question below.
Speaking about the footage on talkSPORT, Woods said: “I actually messaged the club. They said, look, it’s part of a matchday experience, so that’s not the only interaction she had with the players.
“That’s not excusing the video. I understand it’s a pre-match routine and you’re in your bubble, I get that, but how long does it take to just make eye contact, or something? What does it take to just go, hi?”
McCoist added: “I thought it was shocking, I really did.”
We can’t help but agree.
Arsenal ignore mascot
Of course, the girl in question may have been able to spend more time with the players than we saw in that video.
However – regardless of that – it really doesn’t take much at all for the Arsenal players to simply offer a high five, or a fist bump, or even just a glance in her direction.
If Arsenal want to argue that their players were too focused on the match to pay any attention to the girl, then they should simply get rid of that part of the matchday experience.
It was heartbreaking to see the girl’s face looking up at the players in adoration, only to glance away dejectedly when they each waltzed past her after signing the shirt.
Hopefully, she still had a fun day regardless of this moment, and was able to create lots of special memories.
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