Arsenal have launched an internal investigation into a bizarre incident involving UFC star Conor McGregor and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka following the game against Paris Saint-Germain last week.
The Gunners recorded an impressive 2-0 win in the Champions League group stage encounter, but something happened right after the victory that caused a lot of controversy.
McGregor was filmed on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium, where he wasn’t allowed to enter. He received VIP tickets from a third company called 1 Access, a firm providing cooperate packages and letting guests experience the match from their own box at the Emirates.
But after the game, the Irishman first met some of the players, a move that wasn’t challenged by the security.
However, later on he entered the field and met with Arsenal stars Saka and Declan Rice. He even went close enough to practice some of his fighting moves, like aiming soft kicks and knees in Saka’a direction. He was also about to throw him down but got away from the winger.
McGregor trying his UFC moves on Saka 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/q8JAmwNxzo
— george (@StokeyyG2) October 2, 2024
He was later asked to go back to the stadium by the security chiefs, with the club baffled by how the embarrassing situation was allowed to happen.
Although no one was injured in this kick about , Arsenal still weren’t happy with the player going against the rules and entering the field of play. Mikel Arteta also showed concern towards Conor McGregor practicing his moves on the winger.
ARSENAL CONSIDER OVERHAUL OF SECURITY PROCOTOLS
As per the Times, the English giants have now launched an internal inquiry into the matter and are also working to alter the matchday protocols. They will consider an arrangement that will limit the player’s interaction with the celebrity guests.
They want the players to distance themselves from the McGregor brand due to his involvement in several controversial incidents in the past.
🚨 JUST IN 🚨 #Arsenal are investigating how Connor McGreggor made his way on to the pitch after the 2-0 win over PSG last week 👀
The Gunners hierarchy are said to be ‘embarrassed’ by the incident and are looking to change the security protocols to ensure similar incidents do… pic.twitter.com/NUpQIcE7mU
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) October 7, 2024
The UFC fighter was found guilty of punching a man in a pub in 2019 before hurting a mascot on the court while cheering for the NBA team Miami Heat in 2023. Although he later claimed that it was a part of a skit, the mascot ‘Burnie’ was taken to the hospital for being hit twice.
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He even made a few remarks on the anti-immigration riots in Dublin, causing a lot of political backlash. The entire McGregor incident will be viewed with caution by Arsenal, and a new protocol is a must to avoid such antics in the future.
