Joe Cole backs Arteta over decision to strip Aubameyang of captaincy

Joe Cole believes Mikel Arteta was 'right' to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal's captaincy with immediate effect because players reporting late to training and matches is 'sacrilege'.

Arsenal confirmed the £350,000-a-week striker had been relieved of the armband following his 'latest' disciplinary breach last week, which saw him return back late from France after collecting his sick mother.

It marked a third disciplinary breach from the Gabonese striker and for former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Cole, it was correct call from Arteta.

'I think it's a brave decision but I think it's the right decision,' Cole told BT Sport.

'This wouldn't have been the first incident and when I look at (Patrick) Vieira, (Tony) Adams, etc, they had problems, which were well documented, but they were leaders.

'I was never comfortable with Aubameyang in that leadership group. There are a lot of people in this stadium that would go through walls to wear that Arsenal shirt. I think it's sacrilege for players to be late, I really do.'

Asked why Arsenal have continually had issues with those chosen to wear the armband in recent years, Cole added: 'It's a cultural issue.

' I used to go to Highbury and there would be a fear-factor with great leaders on the pitch but that slowly has been eroded. It was because of lack of leadership on that pitch.'

Arteta gave short shrift to pre-match questions about when Aubameyang will be brought back into the squad for selection, insisting that 'for now' the striker is not involved.

Martin Keown, a Sportsmail columnist, feels while the call is 'brave' it could have waited until the end of the season.

Aubameyang was going to collect his sick mother and Keown also put forth the moral dilemma of what is more important than family.

'I do feel it could have been left to the end of the season,' Keown said.

'Obviously there is an appetite for change and he must be a serious offender but over the years there have been captains who have offended far more than this but they were leaders of men. (Arteta) must not see him as a leader.

'The storm around it, we are talking about it now, but it has to work tonight for me. (Arteta) is paid to manage, that is what he is doing but I do feel it's a bold decision.

'We talk about mental health and we don't know the mental health of Aubameyang at the minute. Let's see what happens from here on in.

'Do you decide between the team or your family? Who is more important than your family? The fact he was able to go in the first place seems the wrong call. Maybe the club could have sent someone. We move forward now as a football club.'