Martin Keown agrees with Arsenal fan about ‘real reason’ supporters left Emirates Stadium early

Martin Keown agrees with an Arsenal fan who suggested there was an exodus from their defeat to Brighton due to poor transport infrastructure.

Arsenal fans came under fire after many supporters in attendance at the Emirates left before the end of the 3-0 defeat.

The Gunners were being readily beaten by Brighton, a result that all-but ends their hopes of winning the Premier League this season, with two late goals by Brighton capping off a dismal afternoon.

Even at 1-0, Arsenal fans were leaving the ground but one supporter rang into talkSPORT to explain that the ‘real’ reason why fans left early.

Ringing into talkSPORT’s White and Jordan Show, Arsenal fan Mark said: “I’ve been going to the Emirates as a season-ticket holder for about ten years now, I have got to say, this year the atmosphere has been the best it has ever been.

“It has been a terribly toxic place over the last few years and with regard to the fans leaving early, that has nothing to do with the performance.

“It is an historic thing. Ever since we moved to the Emirates, we have gone from a 37,000-seat stadium to a 60,000 one but kept the same infrastructure.

“That is why, whether we are winning or losing, there comes that point before the game where there is always an exodus.

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“So to say it is because we were getting well-beaten by Brighton is not the case.”

Keown rushed to the fan’s defence and insisted that the travelling arrangements surrounding the Emirates is not good enough for fans further afield.

The Arsenal legend said: “I am glad you made that point because if I make it, it seems churlish and that I am making excuses.

“But geographically where that ground sits, if you don’t leave early, some people leave ten minutes before the game.

“That might mean, Jim, that they wait until the end of the match you get home two hours later.”

White replied: “Well, tough, that’s their choice. Every football fan in the country is like that.”

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And it led to Keown taking a swipe, responding: “Of course, you like to get there early. Not everyone is as privileged as you and lives in central London, so you can stay there as long as you like.”

Arsenal have two matches left in the Premier League as they face Nottingham Forest and Wolves but morale has plummeted since the defeat to Brighton.

Manchester City are four points clear at the top and have a game in hand, and are just a win away from retaining their Premier League crown.