Arsenal could be charged by the Football Investigation for their celebrations following Reiss Nelson’s last-gasp winner against Bournemouth, according to reports.
The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after coming from behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 win at home to the Cherries on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were 2-0 down in the second half but fought back through goals from Thomas Partey, Ben White and Nelson – who struck in the seventh minute of injury time.
Nelson’s superb volley sparked chaotic scenes at the Emirates with staff and substitutes running onto the pitch to celebrate.
This is bang out of order, apparently, with the FA reportedly putting on their Celebration Police uniform and are investigating what happened.
Multiple reports suggest that this is the case, but focusing on the Mirror’s article, it is said that referee Chris Kavanagh’s report included the late celebrations.
There were a few fans that ran onto the pitch – including a young boy who Arteta had to return to security – but it is believed that the investigation is about the players and staff entering the field of play to join in with the celebrations.
something stupidly funny about the Premier League making content about the same Arsenal celebrations the FA are investigating https://t.co/nrzEDSnQnv
— Wayne Farry (@waynefarry) March 7, 2023
Arteta did not go onto the pitch, but his colleagues could be in trouble as those in the technical area are expected to “behave in a responsible manner.”
Arsenal fans love to claim the FA have an agenda against their team and this will only add fuel to that particular fire.
Bournemouth’s goal after nine seconds should have been disallowed due to a few players being in the hosts’ half when kicking off, it has since been reported, while the Gunners were not awarded a penalty despite several claims.
It is unclear whether or not the league leaders will be sanctioned.
Celebrating a win “like they have won the league” was said last season by Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves and Aston Villa’s Ashley Young.
Hopefully, if Arsenal actually do win the league, they celebrate like they have just picked up a comfortable 3-0 FA Cup third-round win over Swindon Town.
Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Partey believes Arteta’s young squad has what it takes to become Premier League champions.
Asked if the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and himself are talking the younger players through things – including keeping calm when chasing a game at 2-0 down – Partey replied: “Well, I think now they are not younger players anymore.
“They have experience. They have been playing for a long time. They are mature. I think it is time for them to be able to achieve whatever they want to achieve. That is their dream. I think they are all ready to achieve this.”
Nelson came off the bench to hit the last-gasp winner against Bournemouth – the third time in six games Arsenal have secured victory in or after the 90-minute mark.
“I think it is the spirit of never giving up,” Partey said when asked if such goals prove this Arsenal team do not know when they are beaten.
“The belief that we have in the team, the belief that the fans have in us, is pushing us game after game. I think we have deserved every win that we have had this season.
“I think it’s another game that we were able to go down and then we are able to go up and win the game.
“I think this will raise the spirit of the team and of the fans to keep on supporting. This is the football that we all want to play.”