Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly was late to enter the action thanks to a wardrobe malfunction.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, was set to be introduced into Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening after Riccardo Calafiori was forced off with an injury. However, he was halted by the fourth official.
The 18-year-old still had his earring in his left ear and the official would not let him go on until he took the earring out – even though it was taped up.
“Why was he allowed to have it in for the match it’s not Sunday League,” one fan fumed. While a second said: “I expect to see a thread of athletes that have played in jewellery now from the very normal Arsenal fans…”
“Should be an instant fine for being an absolute clown,” a third joked. And another added: “But why is he surprised, look how big it is!”
It was a tough performance from the Gunners, who were able to fend off Shakhtar thanks to an early strike from Gabriel Martinelli that deflected in off the back of Ukrainian keeper Dmytro Riznyk.
Leandro Trossard then missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left to play.
Arteta confessed to Amazon Prime Video Sport: “Probably. I don’t know if it was related to fatigue as well, what we’ve been through, but it’s true. Credit to Shakhtar as well, they’re a good team under the conditions that they play in.
(Image: Amazon Prime Video Sport)
“They want to play, they are brave, they are good players, when you give them time on the ball and you lose the ball in the wrong areas, you’re gonna suffer.
“[We are] very pleased with the result. It’s always difficult in Champions League. We should’ve scored more in first half and the second half I felt a bit of fatigue. Playing 60 minutes with 10 men a few days ago is difficult. We left the game a bit open but we dug in for three points.”