West Ham United striker Michail Antonio publicly said that he dislikes Arsenal fans and accuses them of boasting terrible banter.
Antonio’s comments come only days after the Hammers drew 2-2 with the league leaders at the London Stadium on Sunday (April 16). Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard scored in the first ten minutes to put the visitors up 2-0.
West Ham, though, equalised in the 33rd minute with Said Benrahma. Jarrod Bowen then scored nine minutes after halftime to earn his team a point.
Antonio came close to winning it for the hosts late on, but his header from point blank range bounced off the goal frame.
“They are annoying!” – Michail Antonio on Arsenal fans
On the “Footballer’s Football” podcast, the Jamaica international slammed Arsenal fans, a group that includes members of his own inner circle.
According to TBR Football, he stated: “I want Arsenal to win (the league). But, honestly, I don’t like Arsenal fans! I’m going to say it, I don’t like them. I don’t like Arsenal fans. I have family members, my agent, my nephews. They are annoying! And they have always been annoying! Arsenal Fan TV! Annoying.”
Antonio continued: “They are the worst (to have banter with). They haven’t won the Premier League in years, but it’s like they won it last year!”
It’s worth remembering that the veteran forward has a poor record on the road versus the Premier League leaders. Antonio has only scored once in six games at the Emirates, all of which he has ended up losing.
The Gunners will begin a critical week in their Premier League title race. They will surely need the support of their fans to win their next two games.
With a win over Southampton, Arsenal will be seven points ahead of Manchester City, who play in the FA Cup quarterfinals this weekend.
The first of these games will see Mikel Arteta’s men take on Southampton at the Emirates on Friday (April 21).
The Saints remain bottom of the table and will be eager for a point against the leaders, who have drawn their past two games.
Arteta’s men will then face City at the Etihad on April 26 in a potentially title-deciding match.
A victory would put Pep Guardiola’s men in command of the title chase.
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