Arsenal consider Emirates Stadium rule change – and Conor McGregor is to blame

Conor McGregor found his way onto the Emirates pitch following Arsenal’s win over PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with the UFC superstar causing chaos

Arsenal are considering banning their players from meeting corporate guests post-match after Conor McGregor caused chaos following the win over PSG.

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz saw the Gunners beat the French champions in the Champions League on Tuesday night. But following the game, UFC star McGregor managed to get onto the pitch.

He had a kick-about with Declan Rice and Saka, before play-fighting with the attacker. The Irishman aimed kicks and knees in the player’s direction, and then grabbed the Arsenal player as though he were about to throw him.

McGregor was also seen running around on the pitch holding an Arsenal shirt and a bottle of his own-brand Irish whiskey. The incident has left Gunners chiefs highly embarrassed and they are now taking steps to avoid a repeat.

According to The Times, the Premier League title challengers have launched an internal inquiry into the matter. It is understood that McGregor got onto the pitch without the permission of the club and was asked to return to the stands.

There is said to be a ‘high level’ of concern over how McGregor was able to practice his moves on Saka. The early results of the investigation has shown that McGregor and his entourage received VIP tickets at the last-minute through a third party company.

The box they were hosted in is near an area where players often gather after matches. McGregor met some of the Gunners stars then, before accompaning them onto the pitch without being challenge by security staff.

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Gunners chiefs have now placed the arrangement where players can mingle with corporate guests under review. They are also keen to distance the club from the McGregor ‘brand’.

McGregor posted a number of photos from his visit on social media along with the caption: “What an experience!”. The Irishman tagged Arsenal and the Champions League accounts in his post.

The Irishman has not fought in the UFC since losing twice to Dustin Poirier in 2021. He was due to return a few months ago, but then suffered a toe injury and is now not expected to fight until next year. Arsenal secured a comeback win over Southampton on Saturday, though boss Mikel Arteta is concerned about injuries.

“It’s been a very demanding period after the international break, we had so many issues; a lot of injuries, very difficult fixtures, especially away from home and some of them playing with 10 men and the team adapts. The team is so willing,” he said.

“I’m very pleased with the way we’ve come through this period and we’re in a good place. The team reacted incredibly well [to going behind] with a lot of composure; big belief, very good clarity in what we had to do. The crowd were exceptional, the subs were exceptional and we managed to win again.”

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