Arsenal fans have not held back in mocking the club's decision to temporarily rebrand as 'Emirates Arsenal' in the Premier League, sparking a wave of humorous reactions online.
The Gunners' sponsorship deal with Emirates has led to the name change, but supporters have flooded social media with sarcastic comments and memes, questioning the move.
Fan Backlash Goes Viral
From cheeky tweets to edited club crests, Arsenal's fanbase has made its disapproval clear. Many have joked about the club becoming a 'airline subsidiary' rather than a football team.
One supporter quipped: 'Next season's kit will just be a boarding pass.' Another added: 'Do we get free checked-in baggage with our season tickets now?'
Arteta's Response
Manager Mikel Arteta has since addressed the controversy, stating: 'The club's commercial partnerships are important, but our identity remains unchanged. We're still Arsenal.'
The Spaniard emphasised that the temporary rebranding won't affect the team's performance on the pitch as they prepare for their next Premier League fixture.
Sponsorship in Focus
This isn't the first time Emirates' sponsorship has caused debate. The airline's name has adorned Arsenal's shirts since 2006, and their stadium naming rights deal runs until 2028.
However, this latest move has particularly struck a nerve with traditionalists who value the club's heritage over commercial interests.
