Football News
Gallas dropped by Arsenal
Author: Deniz Vehbi
Posted on:
21 November 2008 - 6:53 PM
Category:
Football
Arsenal skipper William Gallas has been stripped of the captaincy and has not even travelled with the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash against Manchester City. Television footage of the Arsenal team bus arriving in Manchester showed that the Frenchman remained in London for the trip.Gallas has paid the ultimate price for his amazing outburst against his team-mates on Thursday.
The French defender questioned the commitment of the club's youngsters and revealed a number of bust-ups among the players.
The experienced defender also revealed that a senior Arsenal player "insults" team-mates during games and there is ill-feeling in the dressing room.
Arsene Wenger was said to be stunned by his comments and was not prepared for Gallas to hold onto the captaincy any longer.
Ex-Chelsea man Gallas has caused nothing but controversy since he was handed the armband at Arsenal.
Few could forget his pathetic outburst following his side's 2-2 draw against Birmingham when he was left sulking on the pitch at St Andrews.
Gallas was on a final warning after being pictured with a cigarette outside a nightclub in the early hours of the morning earlier in the season.
Wenger is renowned for sticking by his players, but his decision will now call into question the long-term future of Gallas at the north London club.
Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn admits he is gobsmacked by the decision and feels Wenger has lost all the trust he had in Gallas.
Winterburn said: "I am absolutely stunned because I didn't think Arsene would relinquish the captaincy from William. It just shows how disappointed Arsene Wenger is and feels let down.
"Arsene is very loyal to his players but he must feel seriously hurt to take the captaincy away from him. It looks like it could be the end of William Gallas' career at Arsenal.
"I'm shocked that this has happened but Arsene has had to act because of what he has said. He put the suspicion on several Arsenal players and Arsene had to act quickly."
With Cesc Fabregas suspended, keeper Manuel Almunia is expected to lead the side.