[Video] Wenger Defends Arsenal Fans After ‘Dutch Jimmy Saville’ Chants At RVP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended the clubs supporters after they were heard aiming abusive chants towards former captain Robin van Persie during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman took just three minutes to score against his former side as United ran out relatively comfortable 2-1 winners at the weekend. While the Arsenal away fans have received widespread praise for their support during the game – with the away section out-singing the home support for large parts of the game – they let themselves down with their chants towards van Persie.

The video below shows the Gooners singing ‘your just a Dutch Jimmy Saville’ while they were also heard signing other abusive songs about their former striker.

However, boss Wenger has jumped to their defence and claims the clubs supporters were just voicing their disappointment that van Persie had left them for United, rather than being disrespectful. Wenger told Arsenal.com,

“Our fans were fantastic today,” he said. “They were always behind the team.

“They expressed their disappointment because I’m sure they love Robin and that’s it. I don’t think they were disrespectful. I didn’t listen to that. It’s shown more that they were disappointed that he joined Man United.”

Here is a video of the Arsenal fans signing at van Persie.