The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they assisted Arsenal stewards in removing a protest banner being paraded by Manchester City supporters.
Fans in the away section displayed a banner complaining about the much-publicised ticket prices, and when those holding the banner refused to comply with stewards requests to take it down, the police were asked to intervene.
In a statement the Metropolitan Police said: "During the Arsenal v Man City match on Sunday, 13 January, officers assisted stewards at the Emirates Stadium in order to prevent a breach of the peace, after away supporters were asked by stewards to take down a banner.
"Officers spoke to the supporters, who had refused to take down the banner, and then assisted stewards with its removal. No arrests were made.
"The monitoring of banners inside football stadiums is a matter for club security.
"However, officers may assist security, for instance, where there are fears of a potential breach of the peace."
Arsenal claimed that the content of the banner was not the reason that stewards asked for it to be removed, rather that it was blocking the view of other attendees.
After the game, which finished in a 2-0 win for the visitors, assistant referee John Brooks told City players including Joe Hart and Joleon Lescott to acknowledge the fans because of the price.
"They've paid 62 quid over there, go and see them," he said.
However Arsenal legend Ian Wright later questioned whether the linesman should be officiating Arsenal games 'if he has a gripe' with the club and their ticket prices.
Very odd the ass ref! Surely if he as a gripe with AFC's prices, is he in the right frame of mind to officiate? justsaying
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) January 14, 2013
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