'A load of old bo**ocks!' - Arsenal told to ignore guard of honour tradition when they face Premier League champions Liverpool to avoid 'humiliation'

Liverpool were crowned as Premier League champions last weekend, with Arsenal a distant second for the time being. In years gone by, the tradition has been to give the title winners a guard of honour but ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney thinks the Gunners should not stoop to that "humiliation" when the Reds visit the Emirates later this month.

He told The Sun: "Chelsea will give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ before tomorrow’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. And next weekend, presumably, Arsenal will do the same. But like so many other things in modern football, it’s something I will never understand. Frankly, I think it’s a load of old b*****ks. It’s not so much a mark of respect as a humiliation for the team lining up to give the champions a little clap. It is as if Chelsea and Arsenal and everyone who plays the champs for the rest of the season, is saying, ‘Well done, we’re perfectly happy you beat us’."

Liverpool have romped to the Premier League title with several games to spare, with Arne Slot's men 15 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal. North of the border, Rangers look set to snub the chance to give rivals Celtic a guard of honour - with Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers lamenting the loss of "traditions of the great managers". Either way, Liverpool and Celtic have the trophy and that is the main thing.

Before Arsenal potentially give Liverpool a guard of honour, they host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.