Arsenal at centre of social media storm as players slammed for blanking mascot

Arsenal found themselves at the centre of a social media storm on Tuesday after an angry backlash to a video they posted of their players meeting a mascot ahead of Sunday’s draw at West Ham.

The Gunners tweeted the clip, which went viral, of their stars signing a replica shirt for the smiling fan, Olivia Murray, 8, as they filed into their dressing room with the caption: ‘Making memories with our mascot.’

However, Mikel Arteta’s men were soon under fire as comments came flooding in from Twitter users unimpressed by the lack of interaction and eye contact from Arsenal’s players with the youngster, which was in contrast to her obvious excitement.

Ben White and Bukayo Saka were among those who appeared to acknowledge Olivia, but some kept their headphones in as they penned their signatures.

A string of responders claimed the post had backfired with the Gunners’ title-chasing players accused by some of being ‘entitled, overpaid and rude’.

Former cricketer Ryan Sidebottom said: ‘Be humble, be respectful and treat people how you expect to be treated! Remember you were in that position growing up wanting to meet your heroes and idols.’

Arsenal said the short clip did not paint an accurate picture of their mascot experience and that feedback to the service they offer has been positive for years.

That was backed up by the girl’s father, who posted a picture of her walking out at the London Stadium with Martin Odegaard and, in a tweet that was later deleted, said: ‘My daughter had a lovely time as mascot. There was only a small window to meet the players and she enjoyed it very much. Odegaard is her favourite player so to hold his hand on to the pitch was very special.’

Unlike some clubs, Arsenal do not charge for the privilege of being a mascot, selecting them at random from their Junior Gunners, the club’s membership scheme for fans under 16.

As well as getting the signed shirt, mascots stay with the squad throughout the build-up to matches, join them for the warm-up and get to lead out the teams alongside the captain.

Like Arsenal, the experience is also free at Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, but a number of top-flight clubs charge between £300 at Bournemouth and £500 at Aston Villa.