Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to be fined by Arsenal for arriving late for the north London derby on Sunday as an image emerged of the Gunners captain stuck in traffic.
The 31-year-old was dropped from the starting XI due to a ‘disciplinary issue’ and watched from the bench as Arsenal came from behind to beat their bitter north London rivals 2-1.
Arteta refused to reveal why Aubameyang was dropped but the reason appears to have emerged elsewhere
Watching from the Sky Sports studio, Freddie Ljungberg wondered if tardiness was a deciding factor.
The only thing I can think is that maybe hes been late or something. Hes still on the bench so it cant be that bad. Of course it upsets the players,” the former Arsenal player and coach said.
Its not good for Arsenal and it must be something big to leave him out.
Explaining the decision, manager Mikel Arteta said: He was going to start the game. We had a disciplinary issue, we have drawn the line and we move on.
We have a process that we have to respect for every game and that’s it.
Aubameyang was similarly keen to put the incident behind him and posted a short statement of his own on Instagram.
“North London is red and that’s it!” the striker wrote.
However, it is understood Aubameyang will receive further punishment in addition to being dropped for the derby.
According to the Daily Mail, the Gabon international is set to be fined for arriving late as this wasn’t the first time.
Arteta refused to confirm the nature of Aubameyang’s disciplinary issue, although an image has emerged of the striker stuck in north London traffic around midday.
Arteta insisted there was no rift with Aubameyang after the incident and hinted his ‘incredible’ captain will retain the armband.
The Spaniard said: “We have a way of living together that we have to respect each other and that’s it.
“But [Aubameyang] is an incredible guy, he’s probably one of the most important players in the team, he’s our captain.
“These things happen, we move forward. Let’s enjoy the victory.”