Arsenal defender Ben White has been accused of ‘cheating’ and told he should face a ‘long ban’ after clashing with former club Brighton.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners went top of the Premier League with a 3-0 win at the Amex on Saturday thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard. However, for some, the shine has somewhat been taken off the victory following White’s antics with the game at 1-0. Social media footage shows the Arsenal man nudge Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan as the left-back jogged past in the 51st minute. When the Ecuadorian retaliated with a push, former Seagulls academy player White collapsed to the ground, holding his throat. After a delay, the 26-year-old carried on without a hitch but many football fans have since slammed his actions.
Against his old club too..
Absolutely shameful from Ben White 😡
pic.twitter.com/FwyY0u6HzJ— mark carlaw (@markcarlaw) April 7, 2024
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Andrew Armer wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Disgraceful. 😡 If that’s not bringing the game into disrepute, I don’t know what is? Retrospective long ban & large fine should (but almost certainly won’t) follow.”
Aslan, tweeted: “He elbowed no10 [Brighton’s Julio Enciso] as well there. Should’ve been sent off,” and thepaulmiffersmith posted: “Same old Arsenal… always cheating.”
Scott J added: “I thought it was just me. Saw this on MoTD (Match of the Day) and thought it was the worst thing I’ve seen in the EPL (English Premier League), shocking behaviour. Brighton will be making voodoo dolls of White today,” while Dylan commented: “Why didn’t VAR send him off for acting?”
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Aside from White’s playacting, Arsenal once again proved their title credentials with a convincing win against Roberto De Zerbi’s side – who beat the Gunners twice in all competitions last season. The result also ended the Seagulls’ 12-match unbeaten home run in the league, which stretches back to a 3-1 loss to West Ham in August. Mikel Arteta’s men are top the table by one point but a Liverpool win over Manchester United on Sunday afternoon will see them leapfrog the north London outfit.
DID YOU KNOW?
White was released by Southampton at the age of 16 before joining Brighton’s academy. After loan spells at Newport County in League Two, Peterborough United in League One, and Leeds United in the Championship, he played one full season in the Premier League with Brighton before signing for Arsenal for £50 million ($63m) in 2021.
WHAT NEXT?
White will be back in action for Arsenal on Tuesday when they take on Bayern Munich at the Emirates in the last eight of the Champions League. They they return to Premier League matters next Sunday against Aston Villa at home.
