Arsenal plans guard of honour for Liverpool

Liverpool, having secured the Premier League title with several games remaining, are set to receive guards of honour from their remaining opponents, a tradition where the opposing team applauds the champions as they enter the pitch. While Chelsea already honoured Liverpool in this way, debate has emerged over whether Arsenal should follow suit in their upcoming match. Ex-striker Troy Deeney has publicly called the tradition humiliating and advised Arsenal to refuse, arguing it is more degrading than respectful. Despite the criticism, reports indicate that Arsenal are expected to give Liverpool a guard of honour, viewing it as a gesture of sportsmanship rather than humiliation. The practice is not required by Premier League rules but has become customary in English football. The discussion reflects broader tensions between maintaining tradition and modern attitudes toward competitive respect.