Stoke supporters are planning to stage the largest-ever Arsene Wenger impersonation at the Britannia today.
Stoke fans were accused of being disrespectful for mocking Wenger’s protests during the 1-1 home draw last season.
Gary Lineker was also dragged into the row after copying the Potters’ fans and imitating Wenger on Match of the Day.
But none of that will put off the Britannia faithful, who took to the internet to sell ‘Do the Wenger’ T-shirts and organise a new round of impersonations for today.
“I’ve taken stick at different grounds,” said Stoke manager Tony Pulis. “You half expect it and Arsene is the same. He’ll know what’s coming. You just take it, it’s part of our job.”
Bad blood between the clubs dates back to Ryan Shawcross breaking Aaron Ramsey’s leg in 2010, Wenger comparing Stoke’s style of play to a rugby team.
Ramsey was booed by some Stoke fans last season, which Wenger condemned, but Pulis was unhappy with the Arsenal supporters’ treatment of Shawcross.
He said: “Ryan got absolutely slaughtered at Arsenal. It’s not a one-way ticket.
“It would be nice if we could move on, but I don’t think that will happen.”