Arsenal fan 'squares up to Nasri and throws punches' as ex-player left 'shaken'

08 October 2023 , 17:10

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Samir Nasri was confronted at Arsenal's clash with Manchester City

A fan was reportedly thrown out of Arsenal's clash with Manchester City after squaring up to former star Samir Nasri in the press box.

Nasri played for both clubs during his career in the Premier League and was attending Sunday's game as a pundit. The Frenchman was allegedly confronted in the press box by a fan shouting verbal abuse, according to talkSPORT, as the incident played out live on air.

“There’s a supporter who was bellowing in his face at this moment in time. It’s a bit unnecessary from him getting involved with Nasri who’s just trying to do his job," commentator Sam Matterface said.

“Nasri is just standing there being barracked by the supporter, there should be more stewards around here making sure it doesn’t happen.”

Matterface's co-commentator and former Gunners star Perry Groves added: “This is where the press set-up is not the best. The security have to get the fan out. There’s a couple of Arsenal fans, and it pains me to say it, who have disgraced themselves.”

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The radio station further reported that Nasri looked 'really shaken ' after the incident, with the supporter also allegedly seen throwing punches at his fellow fans as he was removed from the Emirates Stadium. Fortunately, Nasri was later seen taking selfies with other Gunners fans after the incident had been dealt with.

Former France star Nasri played for the Gunners for three years after his arrival in 2008. He then made a move to City in 2011, winning two Premier League titles, before eventually retiring after a stint at Anderlecht in 2020.

Nasri played for both Arsenal and Manchester City during his career (Getty Images)

Nasri may have been left conflicted as his former sides played out a cagey game for the most part. Arsenal keeper David Raya had a number of edgy moments in the first period as Josko Gvardiol had a header cleared off the line by Declan Rice.

While both teams struggled for chances in the second period, it was Arsenal who would be celebrating a dramatic win. Kai Havertz laid the ball off to Gabriel Martinelli in the box with five minutes to go.

The Brazilian looked to curl his shot into Ederson's far corner but it hit Nathan Ake in the face, leaving the City keeper flat-footed as the ball deflected into the net.

City were unable to recover after that goal, with Arsenal leapfrogging Pep Guardiola's side to go top of the Premier League table heading into the upcoming international break.

Jacob Leeks