Arsenal star branded ‘disrespectful’ by legend after controversial incident

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been branded 'disrespectful' by club legend Freddie Ljungberg after copying Viktor Gyokeres' celebration.

The Gunners recorded one of their most impressive wins of the season on Tuesday evening, beating Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the Champions League. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard secured three points, lifting Arsenal to seventh in the Champions League.

Gabriel made it 3-0 just before half-time by converting from Declan Rice's corner and celebrated by copying Sporting star Gyokeres' trademark celebration. As he ran towards the cameras, the Brazilian put both hands in front of his face, like a mask – a gesture that Ljungberg said was an unnecessary sneer at his Swedish compatriot.

“I'm not a fan of it,” Ljungberg said on Viaplay. “Of course he must have talked a lot about playing against Gyokeres and whether he could do that. Then his point of showing that he can handle it is quite simple.

“But I think it's a bit disrespectful. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I don't think it's necessary. I think someone else has that target gesture, leave it alone. I don't like to see it.”

Sweden head coach Lars Lagerback added: “You can always talk about ethics and morality, but I don't think it is particularly serious. But you can only take a little bit. There's probably some irony behind it, you hope, and not just rudeness.”

Although upset after handing a first defeat of the season, Gyokeres himself didn't seem too bothered by it. He said, “Gabriel's feast? He can steal it if he can't create his own party! I didn't know he did that, but it's fun [that] he likes my party.”

Although it was a brilliant night for Arsenal in Lisbon, it ended in disappointment for Gabriel himself after he had to leave with an injury. Mikel Arteta had to replace the 26-year-old central defender with Jakob Kiwior in the 84th minute after he reported a problem.

“We had to make the change because he felt a bit uncomfortable,” Arteta said. “I was about to make the change for Raz [Raheem Sterling]Poor thing, I couldn't make it to the sub. We had to get him out.”

Arsenal will be desperate to have Gabriel fit and available again for the Premier League match against West Ham on Saturday. He has scored three goals in 18 games in all competitions this season and his partnership with William Saliba is crucial to the dynamic at the back. He is currently doubtful for the match and joins fellow defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.