73-year-old Stan Kroenke (from Columbia, Missouri) has been under fire from Arsenal supporters for years. With banners, chants and actions on social media, Arsenal supporters have often expressed their discontent in recent years, but signing up (and withdrawing two days later) to the Premier League plans was the last straw for thousands of fans. #KroenkeOut is written on dozens of banners and cartoon banners. Former players such as Ian Wright and Jack Wilshere have also spoken out clearly against Kroenke’s policy in recent days.
Kroenke is worth around €10 billion, according to Forbes, but the 73-year-old American has been refusing to invest seriously in picking Arsenal for years. Kroenke began buying 10% of Arsenal shares in 2007, but the American has owned 90% of Arsenal shares since 2018 with his company Kroenke Sports and Entertainment. Kronk also owns the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NBA’s Colorado Avalanche, and the Colorado Rapids. Fans have dubbed Kroenke “Silent Stan” for years, because he rarely makes himself heard. Arsenal’s board of directors apologized on Tuesday night over plans for the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side are currently ninth in the Premier League, which means Arsenal will not qualify for European football. Arsenal can still qualify for the Champions League via the Europa League. The first leg in Villarreal awaits next Thursday, and the return in the semi-finals a week later in London. Arsenal will play the match at home tonight (9pm) against Everton, who are in eighth place with three points more and played one game less.
