Agbonlahor issues verdict on ‘big’ Arsenal punishment after new twist in FA investigation
Gabby Agbonlahor has condemned the “weird” FA investigation into Arsenal following their passionate celebrations in the win over Bournemouth last week (4 March).
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted a potential “big fine” would have been “paid easily” by the Gunners and is no real deterrent for such conduct.
According to the London Evening Standard (10 March), the FA have decided against charging Arsenal after an investigation into their celebrations following Reiss Nelson’s last-minute winner against Bournemouth.
The Gunners’ coaching staff and substitutes streamed onto the pitch – with match referee Chris Kavanagh flagging the scenes as part of his match report.
The laws of the game state that teams must behave in a “responsible manner” on the sidelines.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was fined £8,000 in 2018 after entering the field of play in celebration during a derby win over Everton.
Arsenal lead Man City by five points at the top of the Premier League.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s weird to see so many people upset by it.
“They’re fighting for their first league title in 20 years. This is why we love the Premier League – for scenes like that.
“It’s what makes this league so exciting, and yet Arsenal were going to be punished for it.
“It’s almost like the Premier League wanted to make a stand. It’s a big goal, last minute – but the focus is on the substitutes running on the pitch. It’s nonsense, unbelievable.
“I’m glad to see the FA use a bit of common sense. It would have only resulted in a big fine which Arsenal would have paid easily anyway. It wouldn’t have stopped them doing it again.”
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