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.
