Chelsea became the first club to give Liverpool a guard of honour after they were officially crowned as Premier League champions and Arsenal will now decide whether to do the same
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Liverpool
Deeney has told Arsenal not follow Chelsea's lead(Image: Getty Images)
Troy Deeney has urged Arsenal to spurn the ‘humiliation’ of giving Liverpool a guard of honour in an X-rated rant. The Gunners take on the recently-crowned Premier League champions this weekend at Anfield.
The game comes two weeks after Arne Slot’s side were officially crowned as champions. Chelsea became the first side to give them a guard of honour ahead of their clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday - a game that the Blues ended up winning 3-1.
And Deeney has suggested that Arsenal should NOT do the same. Speaking to The Sun before the clash in West London, the former Premier League striker said: “Chelsea will give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ before tomorrow’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. And next weekend, presumably, Arsenal will do the same.
"But like so many other things in modern football, it’s something I will never understand. Frankly, I think it’s a load of old b*****ks. It’s not so much a mark of respect as a humiliation for the team lining up to give the champions a little clap.
"It's as if Chelsea and Arsenal and everyone who plays the champs for the rest of the season, is saying, ‘Well done, we’re perfectly happy you beat us’.
READ MORE: Enzo Fernandez makes feelings clear during guard of honour before Liverpool gameREAD MORE: Chelsea take advantage of Liverpool title hangover as Blues star silences Reds chants
"When my Watford team lost an FA Cup final to Manchester City, we had to stand and clap while they got their medals. But that’s after the match, that’s fair enough. I was never in a position where I was expected to be part of a ‘guard of honour’.
"During my top-flight days, Watford never played against a team who had already been confirmed as champions. But if I had been in that situation, I’d have refused point-blank. That’s what Arsenal, Liverpool’s nearest challengers this season, should do next Sunday. That would really set down a marker for next season. No more Mr Nice Guys."
A number of Arsenal fans have agreed emphatically with Deeney’s claim. One supporter said: “If Arteta does this at Anfield… Arsenal should under no circumstances be giving this outfit any guard of honour. Character building stuff for players to play amid the wave of boos.”
Another added: “I hope we don’t give Liverpool a guard of honour, it’s not obligatory so what’s the point? Save your fans some embarrassment.”
Chelsea
Chelsea gave Liverpool a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge
Should Arsenal give Liverpool a guard of honour? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“This is becoming ridiculous,” a final Arsenal supporter said. “@Arsenal @m8arteta nothing in the FA rules makes this mandatory. You don't have to give these ones any guard of wat wat. At this point it is no longer about them receiving honour and acknowledgement but about their club mocking Mikel Arteta. Don't!”
Before considering whether they will give Liverpool a guard of honour or not, Arsenal have their Champions League semi-final with PSG to consider first.
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