Alexandre Lacazette sent a defiant message to the Slavia Prague team before firing in two goals to knock them out of the Europa League.
The Czech side have been embroiled in criticism in recent weeks after one of their players, Ondrej Kudela, racially abused Rangers star Glen Kamara in the previous round.
Kudela was banned for ten games by UEFA, but the club has stood by the player claiming Kamara had lied about the incident.
The Slavia players did not take a knee before kick-off, instead standing shoulder to shoulder around the centre circle.
The TV cameras showed a powerful image of Lacazette facing the players, staring them down ahead of kick-off.
On the Arsenal players taking the knee, manager Mikel Arteta said: “They asked me and the club to take that initiative. They had the right reasons for that, the club was supportive. I think it was a great gesture.”
Getty
Lacazettte and the rest of the Arsenal players then did their talking on the pitch as they thrased the side who had previously knocked out Leicester and Rangers.
Nicolas Pepe had given the Gunners the lead before Lacazette converted from the penalty spot.
Bukayo Saka quickly made it 3-0 with a brilliant finish in the 24th minute.
Lacazette doubled his tally late on as Arsenal won 4-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.
AFP
talkSPORT commentator, and former Ipswich and Charlton midfielder, Matt Holland was impressed with what he saw from the France striker.
He said: “I think his all round play, his hold up play, bringing others into the game as well. He scored two goals as well and had the armband tonight. He led by example.”
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