NICOLAS PEPE is reportedly set for a dressing down from Mikel Arteta after his red card at Leeds on Sunday.
The Ivorian winger was sent off for headbutting Leeds midfielder Ezgjan Alioski and faces a showdown with Arteta today as a result.
Nicolas Pepe faces a dressing down from Mikel Arteta for his red card at LeedsCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
The winger was sent off for a headbutt on Ezgjan Alioski and is set for showdown talks with his bossCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
Arteta slammed the butt as ‘unacceptable’ after the game and will reinforce that message at the Gunners’ Colney training base today, according to the Times.
Pepe’s foolish decision is said to have fuelled Arteta’s doubts over the £72million man’s long term future at the club.
The incident occurred just after half time in the 0-0 draw at Elland Road, and after a VAR check, Pepe was given his marching orders.
He was clearly frustrated with North Macedonian ace Alioski.
And with the ball elsewhere, Pepe confronted and stupidly headbutted him five minutes into the second half.
The Leeds man went down clutching his face with Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson on the ball.
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Referee Anthony Taylor blew his whistle to stop play after not seeing the incident live.
But after just a brief look at the VAR monitor, his decision was easy and he showed Pepe, 25, the red card.
Afterwards Arteta did not hold back and blasted the Ivory Coast international for his hot-headed reaction.
He said: “It is unacceptable. Unacceptable. At this level you cannot do it.”
Pepe posted an apology message to fans and his team-mates on Instagram after the game.
He wrote: “I let my team down at a crucial time of the game and there are no excuses for my behaviour.
“I am deeply sorry and would like to apologise to the fans, my team-mates, my coach and everyone else at the club.”
Arsenal managed to survive and hold Marcelo Bielsa’s side to a stalemate despite playing over 40 minutes with a man less.
After the match, police were called to investigate racist and death threat messages aimed at Pepe and Alioski online.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
