Arsenal supporters hit out at Per Mertesacker after the Gunners academy boss missed his side's Under-18s clash against Tottenham to appear as a basketball pundit at London's O2 Arena.
The former centre back is the head of Arsenal's academy, but decided to miss the FA Cup clash against north London rivals Tottenham on Thursday evening.
Mertesacker instead opted to provide analysis for DAZN's coverage of the Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks clash in the English capital.
'Maybe he should be Mertesacked am I right?,' said one Twitter user after learning of his absence.
Another added: 'Get rid out of the Club mate absolutely disrespect.'
While one user questioned how the young players would respond to this sort of behaviour, by saying: 'What kind of message does that send the youth players?'
The erstwhile Germany stalwart, who also turns out as a pundit for DAZN's Champions League coverage, is known to be a Cleveland Cavaliers fan and tweeted earlier on Thursday to say: 'A highlight every year: The NBA London Game.
'For me the first time for @DAZN_DE as an expert. I'm looking forward to it!'
In Mertesacker's absence, the young Gunners were made to scrap for a draw against Spurs after Bukayo Saka converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-2.
The clash went to extra time and, fortunately for Mertesacker, Xavier Amaechi, Folarin Balogun and Bukayo Saka grabbed three goals to hand Arsenal the win.
Mertesacker, 34, hung up his boots last summer after spending seven years at the Gunners.
Toockmnpty
0
what a mess,this was the same lacklustre behaviour he was putting when he was captain.no wonder matersacker was happy sitting on the bench instead of playing
Bakcosu
1
This is pathetic. My heart bleeds for arsenal. What is my darling club turning into? Our current situation demands divine intervention.
nesmnoprsz
0
British Media .......?
Cedeopy
0
the spirit of arsenal fc now, sad to see but what can we die hard fans do
fikcdepuz
6
He already knew his team was going to win that's the goodness of being genius
GeofreyHaphazards
2
man
asmamaw
2
haha big disrespect I think...even the banned coaches follow in the stands
Christophers
0
Hang on!!! Is head the manager of the U-18's or the Head of the Academy??? If he's the manager of the team, yes, sack him. If not then there is no story here...
Sorry, should read Is he the manager of the U-18's or the head of the academy???
dossier
0
The club should sack him this is just embarrassing. What do gooners make of this?
Nothing. As it's not even his team who were playing.
Sampsons
0
Let's hope he doesn't get a proper managers job, he will have to miss a champions league game because a question of sport is on the telly.
If he manages Arsenal, that won't be an issue anyway...
Humphreyes
3
The man literally mastermind a 5-2 win. Spurs at home? No need to attend.
rucksackers
1
Hang on!!! Is head the manager of the U-18's or the Head of the Academy??? If he's the manager of the team, yes, sack him. If not then there is no story here...
Facesea
1
Arsenal players all over , no idea why anyone is surprised, arsenal would rather be messing around making videos of themselves than play a competitive game
Lucass
2
Would have been great fun if the youth players didn't turn up for their mach but were at the NBA game too!
prosperou
1
The club should sack him this is just embarrassing. What do gooners make of this?
Lovelahm
2
Should be sacked. No commitment.
blackjust
1
Anyone remember Mike Baldwin from Coronation Street? Great actor.
Buffet
0
Let's hope he doesn't get a proper managers job, he will have to miss a champions league game because a question of sport is on the telly.
kitchen
0
Actions speak louder than words. The job obviously isnโt that important to him. If the Arsenal hierarchy are serious about the youth academy, theyโll fire him on the spot.
windowsee
0
Leeds knew this already
JamesKwoffie
0
train them this way!,and they will quit serious matches for WWE in the future
DaniloBossy
0
No body takes Arsenal seriously, Even their Youth coach feels everything is just a joke
Elsa98
1
The boys did a good job.
emondorock
1
Never heard of networking!
chidesco1
2
Maybe mertesacker should be mertesacked. ๐ ๐ very funny one. He has his reasons though
VanishPrasad
1
Legend