In a sad turn of events, Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Runarsson was forced to delete one of his social media accounts after criticism from fans.
Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Runarsson has deleted his Twitter account after receiving abuse from fans following a poor showing against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
The 25-year-old was a surprise inclusion in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI for the quarter-final tie with first choice keeper Bernd Leno rested.
Alexandre Lacazette had pulled Arsenal level after they went 1-0 down in the third minute but Runarsson’s howler gifted City the lead again shortly after half-time. Even for the first goal scored by City, many argued better positioning by the goalkeeper could have prevented an early setback.
The 25-year-old then let Riyad Mahrez’s weak free-kick slip through his hands, despite the shot being straight at him.
Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win the game 4-1 with many Gunners fans blaming the goalkeeper’s error for the heavy defeat with some making their feelings clear by tweeting him directly.
The Iceland international with the Twitter account ‘@runaralex’ was suddenly de-activated in the wake of the Gunners’ defeat.
After the game, Arteta was quick to defend Runarsson and explained his decision to start the goalkeeper.
The Gunners boss defended his decision to start his second choice ‘keeper, saying: “He hasn’t played a lot of games for us he’s just adapting to the league”
“We all make mistakes but we have to support him.”
“Alex has done well in other games and these things happen in football.”
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