Fans furious over ‘disgusting’ detail in Cole Palmer video after Arsenal game
A brief clip recorded outside the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea has triggered a wider online debate not about the match itself, but about football fan culture.
The footage, which circulated on social media shortly after the final whistle, shows Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer leaving the stadium under security. What caught viewers’ attention, however, was a supporter visible in the background wearing a half-and-half shirt combining Arsenal and Chelsea colours an item that many fans view as taboo in English football.
Arsenal book Wembley return
The video emerged after Arsenal sealed a 1-0 victory in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, completing a 4-2 aggregate win. Kai Havertz’s late strike sent Mikel Arteta’s side through to their first domestic cup final since their FA Cup triumph in 2020.
The contest itself offered limited entertainment. Chelsea, who began the night needing a goal to level the tie, managed only two shots on target and struggled to break down a disciplined Arsenal defence.
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Arsenal will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 22. With the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League still in play, they remain in contention for a rare four-trophy season.
Chelsea fall short
Chelsea’s inability to generate momentum drew criticism after the match. Despite second-half introductions including Palmer, Estevao and Alejandro Garnacho, the visitors failed to significantly trouble Arsenal late on.
Attention quickly shifted away from the performance once the post-match clip began spreading on X, formerly Twitter.
Online backlash focuses on supporter attire
According to social media users who shared the footage, the strongest reactions were not directed at Palmer but at the supporter wearing the hybrid shirt. Half-and-half merchandise, while common at cup finals or neutral fixtures, is often frowned upon in matches between domestic rivals.
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One widely shared post read: “Look at that guy wearing half and half Chelsea and Arsenal shirts in front of him, by the way. Game’s gone.”
Other users echoed similar sentiments, questioning why such shirts are produced at all and describing the outfit as emblematic of what they see as declining matchday traditions.
While reactions were exaggerated in tone, the episode highlights how small visual details can quickly dominate online football discourse, often overshadowing the sport itself.
Upcoming fixtures
Arsenal return to league action at home against Sunderland on Saturday, February 7. Chelsea travel to Wolves at Molineux as they look to respond following their cup exit.
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Sources: Social media posts on X, match reporting
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