An interesting theory has emerged after an interaction between Mikel Arteta and an Arsenal fan caused a big stir on social media on Sunday night. The Gunners had every reason to be in high spirits over the weekend as they cruised to a 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round, with all four goals coming within the first 30 minutes at the DW Stadium.
Naturally, Arteta’s side were expected to progress to the next round, where they will face Mansfield Town away, with very few complications. But the manner in which they went about their business was that of a team eyeing unprecedented success after years of looking up at others sweeping up all of the honours.
But while their fanbase talked up the team’s chances in every competition this season, as they find themselves four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, into the Carabao Cup final, and having also finished top of the initial league phase of the Champions League, not everything was rosy. Footage of Arteta refusing to roll down his window when leaving the stadium to sign a fan’s shirt quickly did the rounds. Watch the incident below:
Theory Behind Arteta's Interaction with Arsenal Fan Emerges
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal are not the first club to come under scrutiny for ignoring opportunities to interact with young supporters, and nor will they be the last. In fact, Chelsea players were slammed on the same weekend for appearing too important to take any notice of the young Hull City mascots, who looked star-struck as the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Reece James walked past them.
But whereas there have been calls for the Blues to do something about that awkward, avoidable moment, there has been a theory as to why Arteta chose not to engage with fans on his way home on Sunday night. One supporter claimed on X (see the full post below):
"Mikel [Arteta] and the players have been instructed by club security not to roll down windows or open doors when fans approach them. It’s a massive security risk. The players and Mikel regularly sign shirts for fans before games."
‘HandofArsenal’, a well-regarded Arsenal “in the know”, reposted the theory, which could suggest it has some legs to being true. But that perhaps wouldn’t explain why the players and staff interact closely with supporters before the match, although the difference between being in a car and having just come off the coach could be why.
Either way, the reaction has been mixed, with some - mostly rivals - believing the Spaniard should have signed the shirt, while others understood why he ignored the pestering supporter and noted that he can’t stop for everyone, otherwise it sets a precedent.
Arsenal Are A Family Club That Means Business
Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring their fourth goal
Arsenal’s sense of unity and family is what separates them from being merely just a football club and makes them more of a central hub for their community, and there are many examples in recent years of the Gunners going above and beyond to make sure everyone feels as close to the club as possible.
The “Arsenal for Everyone” initiative has been running since 2008, while family-inclusive events and a sensory room are just a few other cases.
They have continuously subscribed to their motto, Victoria Concordia Crescit - “Victory Through Harmony” - but with the fact they are so close to realising their potential on the pitch, any opportunity to take a swipe at their actions off it will be taken with two hands by rivals, who are currently playing a very difficult game of catch-up.