Liverpool fan writes to Arsenal seeking answers over assault, abuse and intimidation

Ian McLachlan [Photo: Courtesy]

An elderly long-term Liverpool fan has written to Arsenal FC to complain about his ‘abuse and intimidation’ that he was subjected to when Liverpool took on Arsenal in a 3-3 thrilling encounter at the Emirates in December 22, 2017.

The 68 year old Ian McLachlan is said to have written to the club for the first time and received no response prompting his second letter over the issue.

A media report by British outlet, Echo, indicates that it all began when McLachlan went to visit his son-in- law in London who is a staunch Arsenal supporter. The two went for the match McLachlan had sit on the home side which is occupied by Arsenal fans.

When the former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the back of the net in the 26^th minute, he let out a celebration in low tone, his emotions took him over for a while. But this was at the detriment of his safety, he says. Reports further indicate that Arsenal fans noticed his behavior and resorted to pushing him, abusing, threatening and intimidating him.

When confessing his endurance of vulgar insults from the Arsenal fans, McLachlan says:

“I didn’t go over the top but all hell broke loose - it was really scary, the atmosphere was really intimidating,” as revealed by Echo.

He says that at half time he was nearly relieved to see a steward come to speak to him, only to realize that his ‘saviour’ would turn out to be a foe, blaming him for the events that ensued.

“The steward said ‘you’ve been mouthing off’ and I said I had cheered once and had nothing but abuse from people around me…The steward was very intimidating and kept pointing his finger at me in a very accusatorial manner.” He added.

According to the reports, McLachlan confessed that his encounters worsened when Arsenal climbed 3-2 up courtesy Mesut Ozil goal in 58^th minute. This would only minimize after Roberto Firmino grabbed an equalizer after 71 minutes.

McLachlan is now seeking answers from the hierarchy of the Gunners on the alleged mistreatment based on the conduct of the fans and the steward. However, it is yet to get to the point where the FA will be able to intervene.