Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

07:00 AM-01:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement

Sport

'Club owners don't like working-class supporters' | John Giles on Arsenal layoffs

John Giles hopes working-class Arsenal supporters will rise up and protest against the club follo...



John Giles hopes working-class Arsenal supporters will rise up and protest against the club following 55 people losing their jobs at the Emirates.

Giles' comments follow after 55 members of staff at Arsenal lost their jobs due to the financial impact of COVID-19.

Speaking on Off The Ball, the former Republic Of Ireland manager said this decision at Arsenal is inexcusable and will not be taken lightly by the fans.

John Giles on Arsenal

Giles said most football supporters are 'working-class' people and will show anger towards the wealthy hierarchy at the club.

“It’s dreadful. There is no excuse for it. When you consider the amount of money they’re spending on the players and in relation to that type of situation, the money is peanuts to them.

“Remember most of the supporters in football, whether they’re Liverpool or Arsenal are 'working class' people themselves and most of the lads they work for in clubs don’t like 'working class' people.”

Giles recalled the situation with Liverpool's decision to furlough workers during lockdown.

Giles believes the only way to stop it is for the fan to react against the situation.

“Liverpool tried it. They wanted to lay off staff but pulled out because of the response from supporters.

“It’s shameful to say the least that a club like Arsenal, who have the money and spent the money, and are giving Aubameyang £100,000 a week are laying people off like that. It’s very bad form.

“I don’t think it will happen because I think the supporters will react against this.”

In a statement released by the club, Arsenal said they must “reduce costs further to ensure we are operating in a sustainable way and to enable us to continue to invest in the team.”

You can listen to John's interview in full on the OTB Podcast Network - here.

Download the brand new OTB Sports App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to Off The Ball's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Arsenal John Giles