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Arsenal Staff Sent For Pest Control Training To Deal With Mice Problem At Emirates Stadium

Arsenal Staff Sent For Pest Control Training To Deal With Mice Problem At Emirates Stadium

The Emirates was lauded when opened in 2006 but it seems there’s an issue at the ground now…

Danny Marland

Danny Marland

Arsenal staff currently working at the Emirates Stadium have been sent for pest control training after the stadium has been hit with a mice infestation.

Per The Daily Mail, Arsenal's stadium is one of only two grounds in the top flight to not have a five-star hygiene rating with newly promoted Aston Villa's Villa Park also failing to hit the mark.

Arsenal chiefs have acted to solve the problem with experts being brought in to tackle the problem that has been an 'ongoing issue' since 2016.

They have been praised by inspectors for improvements at the 60,000-capacity stadium which cost roughly £390 million.

However, a recent health report has highlighted various issues at the stadium which must still be rectified.

The Emirates Stadium, before the mice moved in. Image: PA Images
The Emirates Stadium, before the mice moved in. Image: PA Images

A report from three years ago unmasked a number of issues including 'extensive evidence of mouse activity' across 'all four levels of the stadium'.

Inspectors also discovered traces of mouse droppings in a variety of areas around the ground and discovered that members of staff were not aware of the issues.

The club have also been criticised for the general cleanliness of the ground which remains one of the most expensive stadiums to watch Premier League football, featuring tickets costing up to £97.

One advisement from the inspectors included installing foot-pedal bins in their kitchens.

This is due to current kitchen staff using their hands to lift wheelie-bin flaps, which 'encourages odours and pests'.

An Arsenal spokesperson has commented, saying: 'We have always taken hygiene matters extremely seriously and have increased our actions to ensure Emirates Stadium exceeds the recommendations made.

Increased visits from pest control experts, independent audits, additional staff training and substantial investment in proofing have all been implemented. We continue to look at ways to improve in this area.'

Unai Emery's side kick-off their next Premier League campaign to Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday August 11.

Usually Arsenal fans would be complaining about a snake problem at the club...

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Topics: Football News, Emirates Stadium, Unai Emery, Mesut Ozil, Premier League, Arsenal, Emirates