Arsenal Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Dropped For “Disciplinary Breach”
Arsenal club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped from the Gunners’ matchday squad due to a “disciplinary breach”, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed.
Following Arsenal‘s 3-0 win over Southampton, Arteta confirmed the reason for Aubameyang’s omission from the squad, but refused to be drawn on details.
“I think we have been very consistent, that we have certain non-negotiables in the team that we have set ourselves as a club. Whatever happens in the dressing room, I cannot share. I am sorry.
“I’m telling you the reason, I cannot lie, it was that [a disciplinary breach]. This is where I stand. From my side, I will never say what the breach was.”
The Athletic reported it was because he returned late from an authorised trip abroad.
“The Athletic understands he was given permission to fly abroad for a personal matter. However, he returned later than agreed, leading to his exclusion from the squad.”
🚨 EXCL: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped from Arsenal squad for late return from trip abroad last week. 32yo had permission to go for personal reasons but was back later than agreed & it had Covid protocol implications. W/ @gunnerblog@TheAthleticUK#AFChttps://t.co/im7yEtRK7X
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 11, 2021
It’s not the first time Arteta has dropped Aubameyang for disciplinary reasons as the Gabon international missed the win over rivals Tottenham in March for a “breach of pre-match protocol.”
Aubameyang has just signed a bumper three-year contract with Arsenal, having joined from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 for a reported £56 million.
However, the striker has only managed four Premier League goals this season, with the last coming in October against Aston Villa.