ARSENAL chief exec Tim Lewis failed to shake hands with Manchester City’s top brass having stormed out of his seat after Sunday’s dramatic game at the Etihad.
The Gunners were devastated after their hopes of a famous win were dashed by a 98th-minute equaliser from John Stones.
And exclusive video footage obtained by SunSport shows the moment Lewis furiously left the director’s box when the ball hit the net.
He did not return to greet the City hierarchy – as is the norm following a game.
City chief exec Khaldoon Al Mubarak can be seen pointing to Lewis at the top of the stairs after his quick dash.
So it was left to fellow members of the travelling Arsenal board to apologise and mingle with their hosts.
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The incident was another sign of the growing tension between the two title rivals – both on and off the pitch.
City were furious with some of the tactics deployed by the visitors as they tried to cling on to their slender lead in the second half.
Some home players accused the Gunners of using “dark arts” after going down to ten men in first-half stoppage time.
Erling Haaland was involved in angry confrontations with various Arsenal players in chaotic scenes after the final whistle.
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The Norwegian even told Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” after the Gunners boss came onto the pitch.
But the Spaniard didn’t take offence to the City hitman’s post-match jibe, saying: “It’s part of football, part of sport.
“After the game, all that goes away and we move on. That’s it.”
Haaland also riled up the Emirates faithful by throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel Magalhaes’ head as City celebrated Stones’ leveller.
And his actions drew the ire of Gunners legend Ian Wright, who said: “What really boiled me up properly was Haaland’s cowardly move.
“Throwing the ball at Gabi’s [Gabriel] head when he’s not looking.
“When Gabi’s back is turned to him, a real coward’s move.
“Gabi would look you in the eye. “I’m looking at this like a really good defender vs striker for years to come.
“I really like watching them two and then you’re doing a coward’s move like that?
“That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you were bigger than that, bro.”
Gabriel, who headed the Gunners into the lead in first-half stoppage time, downplayed Haaland’s action but is relishing his next encounter with the striker.
The Brazilian said of the incident: “It’s a battle, a war.
“So it’s normal to have provocative acts in football, it’s part of the game.
“Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground.”
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Arsenal will be back in action this evening, welcoming League One side Bolton Wanderers to the Emirates for their Carabao Cup third-round tie.
SunSport have approached Arsenal for comment.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
