Arteta Calls for Security Review After ‘Exposed’ Car Harassment

LONDON (Azat TV) – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called for a comprehensive review of security arrangements around the Emirates Stadium after experiencing what he described as feeling “exposed” and “not very comfortable” during an incident where fans approached his car for autographs. The call comes after a recent occurrence following Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Wigan, where a supporter persistently sought an autograph while Arteta was stationary in traffic with his family.

Arteta, speaking in the embargoed section of his pre-Wolves press conference, emphasized his usual willingness to interact with fans but highlighted moments and contexts where security becomes paramount. He expressed concern that some individuals seeking autographs are “not doing it for the right reasons” and stressed the need for protection for himself and his family in such situations. While Arteta expressed a strong desire for enhanced security, *The Standard* reported that Arsenal had reviewed its security situation a few years prior and currently had no plans for changes to existing protocols following the latest incident.

Arteta’s Security Concerns at Emirates

The incident, captured in footage that later circulated on social media, showed a fan attempting to get Arteta to sign an Arsenal shirt as the manager’s car, carrying his wife, was stuck in traffic after the Wigan match. Arteta refused to open his window, and more people reportedly crowded around the vehicle. This was not an isolated event; Arteta and his wife were also filmed in a similar situation in October 2025 following a Champions League game, an incident where his wife was described as feeling “frustrated” and “annoyed” when someone took a selfie next to their car, as reported by *BBC Sport*.

Arteta stated, “I always try to be very respectful. I love to sign and [do] photographs as much as we can. I think it’s part of our role. But there are certain things in terms of security that we have to respect. And especially when certain people are doing it that they are not doing it for the right reasons.” He further added, “We need somebody there to protect us as well, because if not, we will get exposed, and you cannot move from your car, and you don’t feel very comfortable there.” The manager concluded his remarks on the topic by stating, “Hopefully, it will change because it cannot continue like this.”

Squad Updates: Injuries and Form

Beyond the security concerns, Arteta also provided updates on key players. He addressed the hamstring injury sustained by midfielder Kai Havertz, noting that while the player finished the recent game against Sunderland as planned, he developed “certain symptoms” post-match. Arteta clarified that the injury does not appear to be “very, very important” but is sufficient to sideline him. He attributed the injury to a spike in Havertz’s workload, given his limited playtime over the preceding 11 months before joining Arsenal, emphasizing the need for careful load management.

In more positive news, Arteta praised Noni Madueke’s recent upturn in form, attributing it to consistency in his preparation and an extended run of games. “The way he’s prepared the last few months… when you get that run of games, you are more likely to be more consistent, that’s what he had in the last few weeks. And with the quality that he has, then he can deliver those moments,” Arteta commented, acknowledging the winger’s recent contributions.

Premier League Title Race Mentality

Addressing the ongoing Premier League title race, where Arsenal currently holds a four-point lead over Manchester City, Arteta conveyed a desire for his team to “run away” at the top of the table. A potential victory against Wolves could temporarily extend this lead to seven points. He dismissed comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous “squeaky bum time” phrase for the season’s run-in, instead framing the challenge as a “privilege” and something for the team to “enjoy.”

Arteta also touched upon the atmosphere at the Emirates, acknowledging a positive shift in fan engagement. He mentioned his post-Manchester United game plea for fans to “jump on the boat” and expressed satisfaction with the subsequent reaction. “Certainly, I felt something the last few times we played at the Emirates. The atmosphere has been really, really good. The other night, I thought it was tremendous the way the people reacted to the team,” he stated, highlighting the importance of a united front between the team and its supporters.

Mikel Arteta’s dual focus on player welfare and fan interaction, juxtaposed with the urgent need for personal security, underscores the complex demands placed on modern football managers. His call for improved safety measures reflects a broader concern about the blurring lines between public figures and their private lives, particularly in high-profile sports.