Unai Emery reveals why he didn’t shake hands with Mikel Arteta or Arsenal bench
Jacque Talbot
- 10 Dec 2023 15:20 GMT
- 3 min read
Unai Emery has revealed why he did not shake hands with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta or any of the Gunners’ bench after Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory on Saturday.
The Spaniard earned a massive three points against Arsenal at Villa Park thanks to an early opening goal by John McGinn.
The result puts Villa in third place in the Premier League table, and a point behind Arsenal. Arteta had to watch from the stands due to a suspension from the dugout and there were questions asked about why the two head coaches did not shake hands after the encounter.
But Emery has explained his reasoning behind ignoring the Arsenal bench and going over to join the celebrations with the home supporters instead.
He said in his post-match interview: “No, because Arteta wasn't on the bench. I gave my hand to the workers inside because they were there when I was there, but only with the people I coached with and who worked with me.
He continued: "There was nothing personal. It was because it wasn't Arteta. I respect a lot Arsenal and Arteta. I respect a lot the workers there. I have nothing negative against them."
What did Mikel Arteta say after Aston Villa loss?
Arteta could not hide his frustration at the loss, with a controversial VAR decision going against the Gunners late on. Kai Havertz’s goal was ruled out after the referee deemed that he had handled the ball before the goal.
When asked about the incident, Arteta flippantly replied: “It’s clear and obvious for me”.
“Clear and obvious”. Asked to clarify he reiterated: "That's what I mean, clear and obvious. That's my opinion, that's all I can say.” When asked a third time, he said: "I will not speak about it anymore."
