Mascot's dad responds to the idea that Arsenal players were disrespectful to his daughter

The father of the mascot who met Arsenal players has responded to claims that the Gunners players were disrespectful towards his daughter.

Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash between Arsenal and West Ham the lucky supporter had the chance to get a shirt signed by players prior to the match.

A video was posted on Arsenal’s official social media account, showing the players signing the young fan’s shirt.

However, the players were criticised for not interacting with the girl. You can watch the footage below.

After the video was posted, Arsenal players were slammed by fans.

On said: “She’d have far better memories if one of them gave eye contact or were bothered to acknowledge the girl. Rude and entitled springs to mind!”

Another tweeted: “Not even a quick “hello”… if this is the sort of player-fan interaction you think is social media worthy, I dread to think how the players behave when the cameras aren’t rolling.”

Arsenal fan and talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods also expressed her disappointment.

She said: “I agree, it doesn’t take a lot just to acknowledge somebody with a smile.

“I think that video is quite symptomatic of football and footballers now.”

However, the father of the mascot has now defended the club and the players, stating that his daughter had a lovely time.

He wrote on Twitter: “My daughter had a lovely time as Mascot for @Arsenal.

“There was only a small window to meet the players and she enjoyed it very much. Odegaard is her favourite player so to hold his hand onto the pitch was very special.”

SPORTbible has contacted Arsenal for comment.

On the pitch, Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to continue their quest for a first Premier League title since the 03/04 season.

Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead after just 10 minutes.

However, just like they did against Liverpool, they failed to hold onto their advantage.

Goals from Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen earned a well-deserved 2-2 draw for the Hammers.

The result leaves Arsenal just four points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Who will win the Premier League? Only time will tell.