Boss downplays Oezil’s tantrum

– Unai Emery refused to condemn Mesut Oezil’s tantrum after the Arsenal captain threw his gloves to the ground following his substitution in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace.

Oezil was replaced midway through the second half with Arsenal leading 2-1, but the German midfielder appeared unhappy with Emery’s decision.

He stomped past the Arsenal manager and hurled his gloves to the turf in disgust.

With Oezil off the pitch, Palace went on to snatch a late equaliser to end Arsenal’s 11-match winning run in all competitions.

The Spaniard reportedly angered Oezil earlier this season when he told him to work harder during matches.

Despite that alleged fallout, Emery had made Oezil his captain in the absence of the injured Petr Cech.

Whether Oezil retains the armband remains to be seen, but Emery opted for a restrained response when asked about the incident.

“It is normal not to be happy,” Emery said. –

London