When you live the kind of lives modern-day footballers live in, you’d tend to understand that any and everything they do comes under scrutiny from many sets of eyes. The players themselves also have a responsibility to at least ‘do the right things’ in public because they’re always under the spotlight.
Enter Jack Wilshere – a talented footballer that broke into the scene in the 2010/11 season and since then a lot has been expected of him but injuries have dented his progress as a player. However in recent times, Jack Wilshere has been popular for his antics off the pitch, rather than on it. There have been a couple of occasions when Wilshere was caught smoking and he had to resolve the issue with Arsene Wenger. Wojciech Szczesny was caught in the same scenario and he was rightly punished by his manager as he lost his first-team berth to David Ospina.
In November, Wilshere had his ankle smashed to bits by Manchester United’s Paddy McNair and had to wait for four months before getting some first team action again. Since his return to full fitness, Arsene Wenger introduced him slowly into the squad and his all-action direct style of play added some dynamism to Arsenal’s attack. After several cameo performances, Wilshere earned a start against West Brom and scored a goal that was nominated as the Goal of the Season.
Last weekend, Arsenal demolished Aston Villa to retain the FA Cup and it was expected that the Gunners were going to have an open bus parade on Sunday.
Fans turned up on their thousands to see their heroes and the moment arrived when Jack Wilshere took the microphone and mocked Tottenham Hotspur, as he did last season,
Wilshere: ‘What do you think of Tottenham?’
Fans: ‘Sh*t!!!’
Wilshere: ‘And what do you think of sh*t?’
Fans: ‘Tottenham’
Wilshere: ‘Thank you!’
He went on to sing another anti-Spurs song and the fans seemed to have a good time, celebrating yet another St. Totteringham’s Day, which came a couple of weeks ago. There have been mixed reactions to his comments and while some felt that Wilshere’s behavior was inappropriate and immature, while others felt it showed a bit of spirit and it was simply a joke between an Arsenal player through and through and the fans that have seen him grow from a boy to a man in the club.
To be at peace with the world, the Milky Way and other galaxies, Wilshere issued an apology via Twitter,
Sharing back2back Cup wins with so many amazing Gooners is a dream come true. Apologies if I upset or offended any of u with my celebrations
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) June 1, 2015
Apparently, his apology didn’t mean anything to the FA, as he has been charged with misconduct,
‘Jack Wilshere has been charged with misconduct in relation to Arsenal’s FA Cup celebrations on Sunday 31 May 2015.
It is alleged his conduct in making and/or inciting certain comments during the club’s open bus trophy tour was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.
The player has until 6pm on 10 June 2015 to respond to the charge.’
In all honesty, was this necessary from the FA? I really don’t think so. It’s not as if Wilshere grabbed the microphone and said that Tottenham that is shit…even though, they really are. Can’t the FA focused on more pressing issues than sticking their noses in Arsenal’s affairs. Yes, he has had his history but I feel that this charge was overrated and highly unnecessary.
They should focus on improving the standard of refereeing that has been Tottenham *coughs* I mean, shit, this season. Yes, the Goal Decision System was an improvement last season and Batefembi Gomis goal proved that it really works but charging a player for such quotes doesn’t go down well in my books.
I hope Wilshere learns from this and improves on his off-the-field antics in the foreseeable future.
I know he’d never get to Mario Balotelli’s level though.
Sayonara.
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