Ex-Premier League referee: Arsenal told to intervene as ‘naughty’ Ben White footage emerges
Keith Hackett has claimed Ben White was “naughty” when he goaded the Tottenham fans during their 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Saturday (1 October).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Mikel Arteta should warn White about his actions and give him some advice.
The 24-year-old was taken off for Takehiro Tomiyasu in the closing stages at the Emirates with Arsenal comfortably leading 10-man Spurs 3-1.
He was spotted on a video relayed by @afcstuff on Twitter reminding the travelling supporters of the scoreline using his fingers as he walked past.
White has started all eight of Arsenal’s Premier League games this season and registered his first assist for the club with a pass to Thomas Partey’s for their first goal in the north London derby.
“It’s a bit naughty,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I think it would be advisable for his boss to give him a bit of advice.
“It’s passion and you don’t fully want to take the passion away. A lot of fans will smile and laugh that one off.
“In reality, he’s just got to take a bit of care in terms of ground safety.”
White, a centre-back by trade, has been shifted out to right-back this season due to the emergence of William Saliba.
The England international moved to the Emirates from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer (2021) for a £50million fee and has played 45 times across all competitions for the Gunners.
In other news, a finance guru has claimed that Arsenal have just matched Man City as a “£65million-a-year” deal is agreed.