Arsene Wenger has hit back at those who have shown him a "lack of respect" this season and described those individuals as a "disgrace".

The Frenchman came out fighting as part of a defiant interview with BBC Football Focus.

The Arsenal boss has found himself under fire from the Emirates faithful this season after guiding the north Londoners to a fifth place finish.

Banners, protests and planes have all been used in a bid to rid the 67-year-old of his current position.

Arsene Wenger has had to endure some nasty chants (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Should Arsenal beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday, it would be a bitter-sweet ending to what could be Wenger's last season in charge.

Speaking on Football Focus, Wenger said: "You don't mind criticism because you're in the public job. The lack of respect at some stages has been, for me, a disgrace - and I would never accept that.

Arsenal fans protest against manager Arsene Wenger outside the ground (
Image:
Rex Features)

"I believe there is a difference between being criticised and being treated in a way that human beings don't deserve to be treated. I will never forget that.

"The behaviour of some people during this season is that what hurts me most. Behind the work and the respect for this club are the values that this club respected.

Fans in the stadium hold up an anti-Wenger banner

"And the image this club has given in recent weeks is absolutely unacceptable because it tarnishes the impeccable image the club has all over the world."

Speaking on Football Focus after the interview, Martin Keown added: "Wenger seems very defiant. He doesn't sound like a man who is about to go. He is calling out the board, asking them to not go with the popular decision - because the fans are against him.

Even a plane has been used by Arsenal fans (
Image:
AFP/Getty)

"In that interview, he is a different Arsene Wenger. It is his life! He doesn't want to let go of Arsenal Football Club. He said "retired people die!" That's how serious he is about it.

"His life is dependent on staying in management. I cannot believe that after all he has achieved over the last 12 years that the fans are against him."

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