We are sure he will regret it in hindsight.
Arsene Wenger is widely accepted as a courteous, knowledgeable and sensitive man. Indeed he is perhaps one of the most altruistic managers in the game. But on Wednesday night, following his side’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the Emirates, the legendary Arsenal boss made an uncharacteristically insensitive joke that many did not appreciate.
For context, Chelsea had an opportunity to grab a late winner late as Davide Zappacosta hit the bar in the last few seconds. When Wenger, already unhappy with the draw, was asked in his press conference how he would have reacted if the shot had gone in, he joked: “I don’t know, maybe I would have gone home and committed suicide tonight!”
Wenger on his emotions when Zappacosta hit the bar for Chelsea in the final seconds.
🗣️:"I don't know, maybe I would have gone home and committed suicide tonight." pic.twitter.com/MNyMBJOxhc
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) January 3, 2018
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK. And around 75% of all UK suicides are male. So it is understandable that many were deeply disappointed by the remark. Awareness and acceptance of mental health issues and depression are improved hugely over the last few years, and many feel joking about it isn’t helpful.
Knowing Wenger, he’ll appreciate that his comment was ill-judged.
https://twitter.com/gregianjohnson/status/948697455922765825
Disappointed Wenger chose to use words “ commit suicide “ in his presser hope he was misquoted. Bad choice and very insensitive
— karl james (@cjor1172) January 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/SmolManSyndrome/status/948698955520626689
This doesn’t sit well at all https://t.co/fruJDKuiiP
— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) January 3, 2018
This is disgraceful, insensitive language from Wenger. https://t.co/Hv5DdpsAMj
— Michael McCarthy (@McCarthyMick) January 3, 2018
