Arsenal boss gives verdict on diversity issue following team photo criticism
Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal are very proud of the community they represent but added the lack of diversity in his squad is a "problem."
The club faced criticism earlier this month after posting a photograph of Jonas Eidevall’s squad for the 2023-24 season on social media. There were no black or ethnic-minority players in the 27 strong player line-up that posed for the photo.
Following the backlash, the Gunners then acknowledged the issue, vowing to improve the situation. "We acknowledge our current women’s first-team squad does not reflect the diversity that exists across the club and the communities we represent,” read an Arsenal statement.
And manager Eidevall also acknowledged the issue, but added that was a problem for the entire sport not just one football club.
"I haven't see much of the reaction online," said Eidevall. "But where we come from, in North London we're very proud of our community and it is a diverse community.
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"The history of the club has a very proud history of players coming from diverse backgrounds. So us not having diversity in the women's first team today, of course that is a problem. I think women's football has a diversity problem.
"Especially in getting people of colour involved not only at the top level, but also at the grassroots level. So I think we have to work with that but also the FA and the other clubs."
The team photo highlighted the lack of diversity in the Arsenal squad this season (Getty Images)Arsenal are known for being a club that champions diversity and inclusion. Many great black players have represented them in the past, such as Ian Wright, Anita Asante, Thierry Henry, Rachel Yankey, Patrick Viera and Michael Thomas. But after the reaction to the squad photo, the club insisted it will improve accessibility and diversify future academy intakes.
"Increasing participation among young women and girls from diverse backgrounds is a key priority for us at the academy level, with specific measures in place to improve pathways and accessibility," the statement read.
"Across all our teams, including our men’s and women’s academies, we’re proud of our players from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to our history, success and culture. It’s a priority for the club to continue to drive greater diversity and inclusion and create a sense of belonging for everyone connected to the club."
Eidevall's team face a huge game in their first WSL action since the international break, when they welcome Manchester City to Meadow Park on Sunday. The Gunners looking to narrow the three point gap to the league leaders, caused by their shock opening day defeat at home to Liverpool.
But the Swedish boss does have the added complication of having to deal with key players Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross returning late from international duty with Australia. Beth Mead and Viv Miedema are also still working their way back to full fitness following their lengthy ACL lay-offs.
"Everybody reported back in, it was an odd FIFA (international) window," Eidevall added. "Because Asian qualifiers meant they played three games, so those players returned later and landed early Friday morning. So tomorrow we'll have more players on the pitch.
"It is difficult, but at the same time, with the City game we are both in a similar situation. They also had players in that situation. So yes it is difficult and not ideal, but it is well spread across both teams.
"We're still obviously in a process with both Beth (Mead) and Viv (Miedema) returning from long-term injuries," he said. "They still have to fully manage their return to play process. But we're looking forward to facing a good football team in Manchester City."
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