Arsenal legend SLAMS ‘disrespectful’ Gabriel for mocking Gyokeres’ celebration

Former Arsenal striker Freddie Ljungberg has branded Gabriel's goal celebration against Sporting as 'disrespectful' after the defender appeared to mock Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres.

The centre-back rose highest to head in Arsenal's third goal in a resounding 5-1 victory over the Portuguese side in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The match was a rare occasion where Gyokeres failed to find the net, but viewers still got to see a variation of his trademark celebration as the Brazilian scored his third goal of the campaign.

Ljungberg, a compatriot of the Sporting striker, denounced Gabriel's gesture and labeled his actions as 'disrespectful'.

“I'm not a fan of it,” he told Viaplay. 'Of course he must have talked a lot about playing against Gyokeres and whether he could do it.

“Then his point of showing he can handle it is quite simple. But I think it's a bit disrespectful.'

Gabriel was quickly swarmed by his teammates after his goal, but social media users were quick to pick up on the centre-back's gesture.

The Brazilian had previously come out on top in a number of matches against Swedish star Gyokeres and even saw the crowd laughing afterwards.

Gyokeres – who has been linked with a host of top European clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United following his blistering form for the Portuguese champions – brushed off the incident after the match, saying: 'He is welcome to steal it if he cannot create it. his own party!'

Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli after a neat ball across the penalty area from Jurrien Timber before Kai Havertz doubled the lead shortly afterwards.

Gabriel then got their third after rising highest from a corner and defiantly firing his header into the back of the net.

After half-time, Sporting got back into the match through a Goncalo Inacio header before Bukayo Saka scored from the penalty spot.

Leandro Trossard completed the emphatic victory that took the Gunners into the top eight of the Champions League.