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Arsenal news: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang receives apology off Matt Ritchie after SNUB
NEWCASTLE forward Matt Ritchie has apologised to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after blanking the Arsenal man following the Magpies’ victory.
Matt Ritchie royally mugged off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the end of yesterday's game ???????????? pic.twitter.com/KAmweHL1mC
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) April 16, 2018
Ritchie scored the winner as Newcastle heaped more pressure on Arsene Wenger with a 2-1 victory on Sunday.
And video footage soon emerged of Ritchie appearing to snub Aubameyang’s offer of a handshake at the end of the game.
Ritchie high-fived team mate Ayoze Perez, who also netted at St James’ Park, despite Aubameyang appearing to offer his hand.
But Scot Ritchie is adamant it wasn’t a deliberate snub.
Matt Ritchie appeared to blank Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
"It wasn't intentional,” Ritchie said. “I was waiting for Ayo to congratulate him.
"I didn't see him (Aubameyang) waiting for a high five, so I can only apologise. I didn't realise until after the game when I saw the video. Social media takes things to a new level."
Arsenal’s defeat in the north east means they are the only team in England’s top four divisions yet to earn an away league point in 2018.
It leaves Wenger’s side 14 points off fourth-placed Tottenham with just five games remaining.
Newcastle seem to have fought their way clear of the relegation places, sitting 13 points above Southampton in the bottom three.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has been linked to the Arsenal job, should Wenger leave at the end of the season.
Though Ritchie believes Newcastle should do all they can to keep the Spaniard at the club.
"It's massive that the club keep hold of him if we do want to kick on to the next level," said Ritchie.
“You've seen the signings he's made."