Troy Deeney has urged Arsenal to spurn the ‘humiliation’ of giving a guard of honour in an X-rated rant. The Gunners take on the recently-crowned champions this weekend at Anfield.

The game comes two weeks after ’s side were officially crowned as champions. became the first side to give them a guard of honour ahead of their clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday -

And has suggested that should NOT do the same. Speaking to before the clash in West London, the former Premier League striker said: “Chelsea will give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ before tomorrow’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. And next weekend, presumably, Arsenal will do the same.

"But like so many other things in modern football, it’s something I will never understand. Frankly, I think it’s a load of old b*****ks. It’s not so much a mark of respect as a humiliation for the team lining up to give the champions a little clap.

"It's as if Chelsea and Arsenal and everyone who plays the champs for the rest of the season, is saying, ‘Well done, we’re perfectly happy you beat us’.

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"When my team lost an final to , we had to stand and clap while they got their medals. But that’s after the match, that’s fair enough. I was never in a position where I was expected to be part of a ‘guard of honour’.

"During my top-flight days, Watford never played against a team who had already been confirmed as champions. But if I had been in that situation, I’d have refused point-blank. That’s what Arsenal, Liverpool’s nearest challengers this season, should do next Sunday. That would really set down a marker for next season. No more Mr Nice Guys."

A number of Arsenal fans have agreed emphatically with Deeney’s claim. One supporter said: “If Arteta does this at Anfield… Arsenal should under no circumstances be giving this outfit any guard of honour. Character building stuff for players to play amid the wave of boos.”

Another added: “I hope we don’t give Liverpool a guard of honour, it’s not obligatory so what’s the point? Save your fans some embarrassment.”

Should Arsenal give Liverpool a guard of honour?

“This is becoming ridiculous,” a final Arsenal supporter said. “@Arsenal @m8arteta nothing in the FA rules makes this mandatory. You don't have to give these ones any guard of wat wat. At this point it is no longer about them receiving honour and acknowledgement but about their club mocking . Don't!”

Before considering whether they will give Liverpool a guard of honour or not, Arsenal have their semi-final with to consider first.

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