Arsenal
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Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has come under heavy criticism after a video emerged showing him mocking a ball boy during a pre-match warm-up. The incident occurred ahead of Barcelona’s 2-2 La Liga draw with Real Betis, which saw Assane Diao score a dramatic injury-time equaliser.
Szczesny, 34, joined Barcelona on a short-term deal in October after Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a season-ending injury. Despite being signed as an emergency replacement, the Polish goalkeeper has yet to make an appearance for the Catalan club and was an unused substitute during the match in Seville.
The footage, which has gone viral on social media platform X, shows the ball boy clearing up balls during the warm-up at Real Betis’ Estadio Benito Villamarín. The situation escalated after Barcelona winger Raphinha appeared to criticize the youngster for his eagerness, following a misplaced shot during shooting practice.
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Barcelona fitness coach Rafa Maldonado attempted to console the boy, but Szczesny’s involvement took a different tone. Towering over the boy, Szczesny twice feigned handing him a ball, only to swipe it away at the last moment. He eventually tossed the ball aside and walked away, laughing alongside teammate Gerard Martin.
Wojciech Szczesny
Wojciech Szczesny (Image credit: Getty Images)
The clip sparked outrage among fans, with many criticising Szczesny’s behavior as cruel and unnecessary.
“Did you guys see what a c*** Szczesny is and what he did to the ball boy?” one user posted. Another wrote: “Szczesny remembered for his time at Barcelona by being a t*** to a ball boy. Well done.” “Billionaires laughing at a kid who just does his job,” another fan commented.
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Szczesny’s behaviour may stem from frustration at his current situation. Since joining Barcelona, he has been unable to displace Inaki Pena, who has started in goal for the Catalans in all 15 of their matches across competitions since Ter Stegen’s injury.
Speaking on his role at Barcelona, Szczesny said, “I have a lot of respect for Barca’s history—it is one of the best clubs in the world. I understand the difficult situation that arose after Ter Stegen’s injury, and I felt it would be disrespectful not to consider this option.”
Despite his experience, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed before the Betis match that Pena remains the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. “Szczesny is performing well in training,” Flick told reporters. “But at the moment, the plan is not to change that. Inaki is number one, and that remains the same.”
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