Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken out in defence of his players, following criticism over a video posted on social media that showed none of them interacting with a young mascot. The clip was posted during the team’s clash against West Ham at the London Stadium and showed the youngster holding an Arsenal shirt for the squad to sign as they went into the changing rooms. Most of the players were seen signing the shirt with their headphones in, before moving on.

Many social media users expressed outrage at the lack of interaction with the young fan, but the father of the mascot later took to social media to clear things up. In a tweet, he explained that there was only a small window for the players to meet the mascot, and that she had enjoyed her experience. He also shared other clips that showed the players interacting with her on the pitch.

Arteta was asked for his opinion on the situation ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Southampton, and he defended his players’ actions. He said that the video had been taken out of context and that nobody had seen what had happened before or after the clip. He also pointed out that the video was posted by Arsenal TV, and that the club had a strong connection with its supporters.

“I think it’s not fair,” Arteta told reporters. “You’ve just seen a fragment of a picture – what happened before that and afterwards, nobody saw.” He went on to say that he didn’t think the players were perceived as they were in the video, adding that they had a strong relationship with the fans.

The incident has sparked debate online about the role of social media in football and the expectations fans have of their favourite teams. While the criticism may have been unfair in this instance, it highlights the importance of clubs maintaining positive relationships with their supporters both on and off the pitch.