Fans have been split with their reactions on Premier League table-toppers Arsenal for a recent video posted on social media. The Arsenal squad can be seen in the video signing a young fan’s shirt as they arrived for their Premier League clash against West Ham at the London Stadium.
“Making memories with our mascot,” reads the caption along with the clip which shows the Gunners signing autographs for the fans. The video appears to be very benign and innocent at first sight – but not in the eyes of some. Some are calling out the Arsenal players for their behaviour, while other have defended them.

‘Disgusting’, ‘Soulless’ ; ‘They did more than enough’ – mixed reactions to Arsenal players signing a fan’s shirt
Arsenal went to the London Stadium with an aim to widen the gap between them and second-placed Manchester City. However, it was a Deja vu for the Gunners, who gave away a two-goal lead to draw the game and come away with just a point from a winning position, just as they did against Liverpool last week at the Anfield.
While there was undoubtedly going to be harsh criticism from the fans, who are desperate for their team to lift the league title for the first time since 2004, the Gunners were slammed for their off-field conduct as well. Many have called out Arsenal players for being ignorant while signing a young girl’s shirt prior to the game. Rory Jennings, a social media star, slammed the players, questioning why they didn’t acknowledge the young child at all.
That little girl looking up in awe at her heroes and not one of them had the courtesy to acknowledge her in any way whatsoever. This is a disgusting clip. A sad indictment of how football has gone. https://t.co/NRZ1pheP0s
— Rory Jennings ?? (@Chelsearory) April 17, 2023
I suggest @Arsenal you get her and her family back and give your players another go at being decent human beings – admittedly they’d have to be coached into it but it might be something that sticks with some of them if it’s pointed out https://t.co/cN7NA87Pi3
— Nick Knowles (@MrNickKnowles) April 17, 2023
The fact that they proudly posted it too…
It’s all become so soulless.
— SundayLeagueCoach (@sunday_coach) April 17, 2023
Rare time I agree with you. So different to 15/20 years ago
— Jack S (@Jscriff32) April 17, 2023
Worst part is, Arsenal admin seemed to think this was a clip that would make them come across well
— Jodie Turner (PUSB) (@thejodiefry) April 17, 2023
Can’t even be bothered to flash a smile or take out the earphones
— ERIK ? (@ErikM_74) April 17, 2023
That's sad, they did as expected but so dreadfully cold. I just hope she was very happy with her signed football shirt and didn't realise their behaviour.
— Louise Emery ??????????? (@LouiseEmery) April 17, 2023
Look at the difference. pic.twitter.com/wy2NXNStdW https://t.co/DWdsxHnZ1T
— ًEl. (@UtdEIIis) April 17, 2023
However, not everyone agreed that the Arsenal players were impolite. Some supporters rushed to their defence with valid reasons, and even citing the protocol most of the players follow while signing autographs for the fans.
I was lucky enough to be mascot twice for the arsenal (many years ago now) but this clip is just ONE minute of that lucky girl's day.. she would of had chance to speak with them 100%! The players have only just got off the coach.. give them a break guys seriously.
— Ryan Smith (@RyanSmithAFC) April 17, 2023
Everyone's missing one key word – mascot. She absolutely got to go back and meet them all properly and speak with them all. She went out on the pitch with them, there's no way this is the only interaction between her and the players.
— Michael ?? (@blodger42) April 17, 2023
I guess they're all terrible people for not sitting down with her and have a tea party right before a big game.
— Mo Abdalla ? (@inthemo_ment) April 17, 2023
how ungrateful can you be? every single one of them signed her shirt. She is lucky and will remember that moment for the rest of her life, you're more hurt than she is ? There are millions of kids who would do anything to be in such a privileged position. Sad man you are.
— Mo Abdalla ? (@inthemo_ment) April 17, 2023
They did more than enough.
— Ammar (@AmmarA1i) April 17, 2023
they should be happy they signed the shirt
— Go on you Gunners (@dustemann) April 17, 2023
? i honestly dont see what they are doing wrong here
— elroy_zuka (@DAT_boi44) April 17, 2023