‘Wenger Out’ protesters must give Arsenal manager a chance, says Corbyn
Written by News on 09/05/2017
Jeremy Corbyn has told young supporters to give under-pressure Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger a chance after spotting a protest sign at one of his rallies in Leamington Spa.
As the Labour leader began by introducing the party’s candidate for Warwick and Leamington Spa – Matt Western – Mr Corbyn noticed a group of supporters holding up a "Wenger Out" sign.
"I appeal to all of you, do everything you can to get my friend here elected – a fellow Arsenal supporter – which is very important despite what’s being held up… oh it’s gone," he joked.
A-level student Jacob, who skipped school to be at the rally, said they came along because they hoped a Corbyn victory would help the club get back on top.
"We know he supports Arsenal and we wanted to get his thoughts on Wenger because you know if Jeremy wins we want him to nationalise Arsenal, put all the money back into them. He’s doing it for the railways," he said.
Another student, Ed, said it is the perfect way to publicise the movement, adding: "There’s so much participation, so many people out there, everyone is getting their messages across, why not get one more across?"
They revealed Mr Corbyn told them "Wenger’s all right, give him a chance," after he had finished his speech.
But the Labour leader may not enjoy being linked with the football club’s divisive veteran manager, whom many supporters wish to see gone after years of perceived under-achievement.
The "Wenger Out" movement has taken sports events by storm, with supporters bringing banners bearing the message to matches from South Africa to Singapore as the manager has refused to confirm whether he will sign a new contract with the club.
And protesters have not limited themselves to sports, with banners also seen at pop concerts, student demonstrations and an anti-Donald Trump rally.
But it appears Mr Corbyn scored a winner with the students, who said the Labour leader was "absolutely" more like the Arsenal manager in his earlier, more successful days at the north London football club.
(c) Sky News 2017: ‘Wenger Out’ protesters must give Arsenal manager a chance, says Corbyn
