Why police clashed with Crystal Palace fans in unsavoury scenes before Arsenal showdown at Emirates Stadium - as drum is bizarrely confiscated
Crystal Palace fans clashed with police ahead of their Premier League game with Arsenal on Saturday at the Emirates.
Arsenal host Crystal Palace
Unsavoury scenes ahead of kick-off
Police confiscate drum
WHAT HAPPENED?
The away fans bizarrely had a drum confiscated ahead of Saturday's Premier League game in north London. There were some ugly scenes before kick-off as visiting supporters clashed with police and officers in high-vis jackets were seen entering the away end and taking away a drum.
Advertisement
Getty
THE EXPLANATION
The police's decision to act was seemingly sparked by a flare being set off by the Palace fans. A confrontation in the away end followed, before the drum was taken away by the authorities. Although Eagles fans are often seen beating a drum, Arsenal's matchday stadium rules do dictate that musical instruments are not allowed.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports his team were raring to go ahead of kick-off: "We recharged, re-energised and have been very clear with each other what to expect, and then attack the second half of the season."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images
WHAT'S NEXT?
Arsenal head to Nottingham Forest next in the Premier League and then host Liverpool, while Crystal Palace play Sheffield United on Tuesday.