Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and MMA icon Conor McGregor(Image: Conor McGregor/Instagram)

Conor McGregor and Bukayo Saka incident leads Arsenal to review matchday protocols

The latest Arsenal news as Conor McGregor's viral moment with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice from midweek continues to attract attention

by · football.london

Arsenal are reportedly considering altering their match day protocols in a bid to avoid a repeat of Tuesday night's bizarre incident involving Conor McGregor and Bukayo Saka.

The UFC fighter was filmed on the Emirates Stadium pitch following the mid-week Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain. McGregor and his entourage are understood to have received VIP tickets through '1 Access' - a company that provides corporate packages and has a box at the stadium.

After meeting some of the players after the game, the Irishman took to the pitch alongside Saka and Declan Rice. McGregor enjoyed a kick about with the Arsenal pair before having a bit of fun with Saka.

In a light-hearted duel with Saka, McGregor aimed soft kicks and knees in the player's direction before grabbing the England international as though he were about to throw him. According to The Sunday Times, The Notorious had gone on the playing surface without permission by the club and was asked to go back inside.

It's understood that there is still a high level of concern about how he was able to practice his moves on one of the club's best players. An internal club inquiry into the matter has led to Arsenal reportedly looking to change how things work.

The report says the club are looking at an arrangement whereby players are permitted to mix with corporate guests. It is also stated that they are keen to distance themselves from McGregor's 'brand' due to the number of controversial incidents he has been involved in.

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McGregor was convicted in 2019 for assault after punching a man in a pub while also hurting a mascot in 2023 on the court of the NBA team Miami Heat. He has also found himself in situations involving politics after his inflammatory remarks around the time of anti-immigration rioting in Dublin last year.


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