‘This is how it’s done!’: Angry fans take to social media to reveal the instances where clubs got fan engagement right after Arsenal players faced a barrage of criticism for ignoring their eight-year-old mascot at West Ham
- Arsenal posted a video of their side signing a shirt for one of their mascots
- However, none of the players seemed to acknowledge the girl named Olivia
- Fans were quick to point out that other players took the time to talk to their fans
Angry fans have taken to social media to reveal the instances where clubs received fan engagement right after Arsenal players faced a barrage of criticism.
The Gunners posted a video on Twitter of their side signing a shirt for one of their mascots outside the dressing room ahead of their 2-2 draw against West Ham on Sunday.
However, none of the players seemed to acknowledge the girl, named Olivia Murray, when they passed the pen, despite her staring at them in admiration.
Celebrities like Nick Knowles, Laura Woods and Piers Morgan took to Twitter to label the players as “entitled, overpaid and rude.”
TV presenter Knowles wrote: ‘I suggest @Arsenal you bring her and her family back and give your players another chance to be decent human beings – admittedly they should be coached into it but it could be something that sticks with some to hang. if it is pointed out.’
The Gunners posted a video on Twitter of their squad signing a shirt for one of their mascots
Lifelong Gunners fan Morgan added, “Come on guys, at least one of you say hello to her?!!”
And fans of rival clubs were also quick to point to examples of other Premier League players taking the time to speak to their fans.
One commented: “If the Arsenal lads want tips, here’s how to do it.”
The video showed several Manchester United players, including Bruno Fernandes, David de Gea, Harry Maguire and Fred, meeting disabled Red Devils fans.
They all speak to the fans, sign shirts, pose for photos and seem engaged compared to the Arsenal players.
Another person posted: ‘Embarrassing the Arsenal players. If you want to see how fan engagement is done the right way, look no further than Bruno Guimarães.
“I’m really excited to be there and you can see it means a lot to him personally to have the platform to do this kind of thing. Diamond.’
Alongside the tweet, a video showed Newcastle United central midfielder Bruno Guimarães hugging fans of the Newcastle United Foundation.
Still, Olivia’s dad has defended the players – insisting the footage was just a “tiny window” into her day.
He also shared a photo of her holding Martin Odegaard’s hand.
Olivia’s dad has since jumped to the players’ defense, saying the video was just a ‘little window’
Arsenal fan Piers Morgan was one of many who took to Twitter to slam the club over the video
Television presenter Nick Knowles called on the club to invite her back for another match
“My daughter had a blast being the mascot for @Arsenal,” Mr Murray tweeted. “There was only a small window to meet the players and she really enjoyed it.
“Odegaard is her favorite player, so it was very special to keep his hand on the pitch.”
Since then, another clip has appeared that appears to show players high-fiving all of the West Ham mascots as they lined up in the tunnel for kick-off.
Captain Odegaard was then seen walking over to the same Arsenal mascot that had been previously ignored and leaned in to talk to Olivia, who was left beaming after the exchange.