Arsenal fans accuse Premier League of double standards over Bournemouth celebrations amid FA investigation
Arsenal fans are confused by what they perceive as double standards from the Premier League and the Football Assocation (FA) in response to their weekend celebrations.
It was revealed on Monday that FA were investigating the celebrations following Reiss Nelson's 97th-minute winner in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
It's understood that disciplinary chiefs at English football's governing body are reviewing referee Chris Kavanagh’s match report, with special scrutiny on the number of subs and coaches who came onto the pitch to celebrate with Nelson.
The laws of the game state that club officials "must remain within [the] confines [of the pitch] except in special circumstances, for example a physiotherapist/doctor entering the field of play, with the referee’s permission, to assess an injured player."
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It is the fourth time this season that Arsenal are facing an FA probe, although Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil admitted he had no problem with the celebrations after the game.
"I’ve no comment to make on what Arsenal did," he said.
"They scored the goal, so they can celebrate however they like."
And it seems the Premier League don't have much of an issue with the celebrations either, as their official Twitter account posted a video of the wild scenes from various angles – along with a starry-eyed emoji.
Some Arsenal fans responded to the tweet in slightly bemused fashion.
How Reiss Nelson’s 97th-minute winner was celebrated from different angles 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ZQ2TPcysYl
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 7, 2023
One said: "Thought you weren’t allowed to celebrate? Assume you guys will be rejecting any FA charge?"
Another added: "Funny that you post a video that promotes the celebrations while the FA is investigating those to fine the club. So, is it good or is it bad?"
One more Arsenal fan joked: "All the different angles for the FA to add to their charge against us."
It remains to be seen whether the FA will indeed charge Arsenal and whether that charge will include a fine.
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Topics: Arsenal, Bournemouth
Dominic Booth