Jamie Redknapp has insisted that protests from Arsenal fans during their win over Norwich City on Saturday were a “waste of time”.
Certain parts of the Emirates made their feelings clear in the 12th and 78th minutes, as they continue to air their frustration over the lack of progress and silverware since their last Premier League title triumph 12 years ago.
Redknapp evidently wasn’t impressed with the protests, as he believes that in the grand scheme of things it will make little difference to the club.
“It was a waste of time really, wasn’t it? They should save the trees rather than putting paper up like that,” Redknapp said on Saturday Night Football.
“It didn’t really work for me. Obviously there’s a section of them that are unhappy with what Arsene Wenger is doing and that’s understandable, but it was sporadic.”
While he makes a valid point in that it wasn’t a protest that would have sent shockwaves through the club, it is also debatable as to whether pressure from the supporters will make a significant difference.
Arsene Wenger apologised to frustrated supporters after the game, but such is his loyalty and fierce desire to get Arsenal back to the top, he isn’t likely going to walk away from the job unless he personally believes that he can no longer take the club forward.
Naturally, protests and disillusioned fans are not what Wenger would want to see at home games moving forward, as in a perfect world every supporter would be getting behind the team and pushing them on to do better.
However, those frustrated fans have the right to air their opinion, and it will be down to the Frenchman and his players to prove them wrong.
That starts with a strong summer transfer market, but whether or not the stubborn tactician does move to strengthen his squad remains to be seen.
It is expected that he will continue to face disharmony in the stands with supporters calling for a change both in the hierarchy and in the manager’s seat, and so he will have to respond both on and off the pitch this summer ahead of a crucial campaign next year if he stays in the job as expected.