TV PRESENTER Dan Thomas was forced to apologise live on air after claiming Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta deserved to be “punched in the face”.
The broadcaster made the explosive remark during coverage of Arsenal’s fiery Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
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Dan Thomas said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta deserved to be “punched in the face” Credit: GRAB
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal overcame Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate to reach the Champions League final Credit: Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The Gunners secured their spot in the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years and will face PSG in a high-stakes showdown in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30.
But emotions boiled over on the touchline as both Arteta and Atletico chief Diego Simeone constantly barked instructions and reacted wildly throughout the game.
During ESPN’s post-match discussion, Thomas asked fellow pundits at what point an opposing coach would want to “punch Arteta in the face” because of his animated behaviour on the sidelines.
The comment immediately stunned the studio panel, with former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley insisting both managers were “as bad as each other”.
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Thomas then continued by claiming Arteta had “out-Simeone’d Simeone” because of the way he celebrated and sprinted around after the final whistle.
Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson also criticised the Spaniard’s antics and accused him of making touchline moments all about himself.
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Robson even joked that if he had been running down the touchline he would have “tackled the ball and tackled him at the same time”.
The backlash quickly gathered pace online, forcing Thomas to address the controversy during a later broadcast.
The 45-year-old admitted his wording was wrong and said the off-hand remark had “landed literally” despite not being intended that way.
Thomas added he had reflected on the incident afterwards and promised he would be more careful with his language in future after admitting he should not have said “anything silly”.
