Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opened up about an awkward moment outside the Emirates Stadium after the club’s FA Cup win over Wigan, admitting he felt “exposed” when a supporter repeatedly asked him for an autograph while he sat in his car with his family.
The incident, which happened on Sunday night in North London, has since gone viral on social media. It comes just days before Arsenal face Wolves in the Premier League, with the Gunners aiming to maintain momentum in the title race.
Arteta said he understands supporters’ passion, but insisted that safety concerns must come first.
What happened between Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal fan?
Footage shared online appears to show Arteta stopped in traffic near the Emirates Stadium when a fan approached his car and repeatedly asked him to wind down the window and sign a shirt.
Arteta refused to sign and stayed inside the vehicle, while the fan continued to press him for a response.
Speaking ahead of the Wolves clash, Arteta explained that the situation made him uncomfortable, particularly because his family were with him at the time.
“I always try to be very respectful. I love to sign and take photographs as much as I can. I think it’s part of our role,” Arteta said.
However, the Arsenal manager made it clear that not every request comes from genuine supporters.
“But there are certain things in terms of security that we have to respect. And especially when certain people are doing it, they are not doing it for the right reasons,” he added.
Why did Arteta say he felt “exposed”?
Arteta said the incident showed how quickly a normal situation can turn uncomfortable when a manager or player gets trapped in traffic outside a stadium.
He suggested that being approached in a stationary car makes it difficult to leave safely and can quickly attract more people.
“We need somebody there to protect us as well. Because if not, we will get exposed and you cannot move from your car, and you don’t feel very comfortable there”, Arteta said.
The Arsenal boss also hinted that this is not the first time such situations have caused problems. “I take it on the chin,” he said.
His comments reflect growing concerns in football about so-called “autograph hunters” who target players and staff, not for fandom, but to resell signed items online.
Are autograph hunters becoming a bigger problem in English football?
Autograph hunting has become more noticeable around Premier League stadiums in recent years, especially in areas where team coaches arrive or where players leave after matches.
Supporters have long waited outside grounds hoping for a quick photo or signature, but clubs increasingly worry about groups who treat it like a business.
Arsenal previously reviewed security measures around players and staff, with the club reportedly identifying autograph hunters as a key safety concern.
Fans also raise concerns because crowded areas outside stadium exits can cause disruption, traffic issues, and increased risk of confrontation.
In simple terms, the issue is no longer just about fans asking for a shirt to be signed, it is about whether the person asking is doing it for money or attention.
How are Arsenal fans reacting to the viral Arteta video?
The clip has sparked mixed reactions among Arsenal supporters online.
Some fans have defended Arteta, saying it was unfair to approach him while he was clearly with his family and unable to drive away. Others argue that managers should expect fans to ask for autographs, especially after a match.
Video has surfaced showing Mikel Arteta ignoring an Arsenal supporter’s persistent plea for an autograph outside the Emirates after the FA Cup win over Wigan. ☹️
The dad begged for an autograph for his son but Arteta simply ignored him. 💔
Should he have just signed? pic.twitter.com/mIAaXDXXsy
— Football Paparazzi (@PaparazziFutbal) February 16, 2026
However, many supporters appear to agree on one point: footballers and managers should not feel pressured to interact in situations where they feel unsafe or cornered.
What did Arteta say about the previous incident involving his wife?
Arteta also referenced another moment involving his wife, suggesting that the media coverage at the time misrepresented what actually happened. “The way it was described was totally wrong and unfair,” he said.
He did not go into full detail, but the comment suggests frustration about how personal moments involving family can quickly become public headlines.
For managers at top Premier League clubs, even minor interactions outside stadiums can become widely shared within minutes.
What else is happening at Arsenal right now?
Away from the viral fan video, Arsenal have confirmed two major developments affecting supporters next season:
Safe standing will be introduced at the Emirates Stadium
The club has announced plans to bring in safe standing areas starting next season. Arsenal say the move aims to improve the matchday atmosphere while keeping supporters safe.
Safe standing has already been introduced at several Premier League and Championship grounds after changes to long-standing stadium regulations.
Season ticket prices will rise again
Arsenal also confirmed an average season ticket price increase of 3.9%, marking the fifth year in a row that fans have faced higher costs. The club has pointed to increased stadium operating expenses as a reason for the rise.
Why are Arsenal fans unhappy about ticket prices?
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST) has criticised the price increase and voiced frustration that Arsenal did not follow a campaign supported by the Football Supporters’ Association, which called for Premier League clubs to freeze ticket prices.
In a statement, the AST said: “We firmly believe that with the football sector benefitting from ever-increasing broadcast and commercial revenues, it is time to stop squeezing match-going supporters so hard.”
The supporters’ group has also demanded greater transparency from both Arsenal and the Premier League over why clubs rejected calls for a price freeze.
How does this affect Arsenal ahead of Wolves?
Arteta hopes the off-pitch headlines do not distract from Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Wolves.
With Arsenal pushing for the title, every match now carries extra pressure. The manager has kept his focus on results, but incidents like the fan confrontation highlight how intense life becomes for top-level football figures, even away from the pitch.
For many Arsenal fans, the story also touches on a wider feeling around football right now, that the game feels increasingly commercial, from autograph selling to rising ticket prices.
