Arsenal fan invades pitch and appears to abuse manager Arsene Wenger during Emirates Cup win over Benfica

  • Arsene Wenger appeared to be verbally abused by an angry pitch invader 
  • The disgruntled fan made a beeline for the Arsenal boss during Benfica game 
  • Arsenal went on to comfortably beat the Portuguese side 5-2 on Saturday 

Arsene Wenger appeared to be verbally abused by a pitch invader during Saturday’s pre-season victory against Benfica.

The fan made a beeline for the Gunners boss during the first half before being tackled by stewards.

The supporter appeared to launch a tirade at the Arsenal manager as he was escorted off the Emirates pitch. 


Arsene Wenger appeared to be verbally abused by an angry pitch invader during a friendly

Arsene Wenger appeared to be verbally abused by an angry pitch invader during a friendly

Wenger responded to the irate fan before he was led away. It was an uncomfortable flashpoint for the Arsenal manager, who has been a divisive figure among supporters in recent months.

Wenger signed a new two-year deal in the summer, despite opposition from fan groups. In the match itself, as timely reminders go, this was emphatic as they come.

If all goes according to plan for Arsenal in the transfer market this summer, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud look likely losers.

Alexandre Lacazette’s £52million arrival from Lyon will almost certainly demote Giroud to a regular place on the bench. Walcott will face a similar fate if Arsenal land Thomas Lemar from Monaco. 

The disgruntled fan made a beeline for the Arsenal boss during the game against Benfica

The disgruntled fan made a beeline for the Arsenal boss during the game against Benfica

The forward duo are not prepared to fade into the background, however. Yes, it is pre-season. Yes, the tangible truth will become apparent when the season starts. Nevertheless, their contribution in this 5-2 Emirates Cup win over Benfica was telling.

Walcott scored twice and had a hand in Arsenal’s third, an own goal by Lisandro Lopez, while Giroud notched and made another, finished by Alex Iwobi.

Franco Cervi opened the scoring for Benfica, with their second coming from Eduardo Salvio.