Jeremie Frimpong has responded to the backlash he received for his reaction to Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to PSG, insisting he was simply ‘happy’ that he had won a bet with his friend. Videos of Frimpong wildly celebrating Arsenal’s devastating penalty-shootout loss in Budapest went viral on social media, with the Liverpool full-back filmed leaping out of his chair and screaming with joy after Gabriel’s missed spot-kick.
Eberechi Eze had also failed with his effort earlier on in the shootout, with the scoreline locked at 1-1 at the end of extra-time after Ousmane Dembele had cancelled out Kai Havertz’s stunning sixth-minute strike. The result saw PSG successfully defend their crown as European champions, a year on from their thumping victory over Inter Milan, while the Gunners’ long wait for Champions League glory continues on into next season.
Despite the crushing disappointment, Arsenal fans flocked to the streets of north London in huge numbers to celebrate the club’s Premier League title triumph less than 24 hours later, with Mikel Arteta’s squad dusting themselves off to soak up the moment from an open-top bus. And while the jubilant scenes played out in the capital, Frimpong took the opportunity to try to clear up why he was seen revelling in Arsenal’s misery the previous night.
The Netherlands international took to Instagram to write on his stories: ‘[two laughing emojis] chill me and my friend made a bet and I won and that’s why I was happy [shrugging emoji]’
In his next post, Frimpong sent his best wishes to Arne Slot, who was relieved of his duties as Liverpool head coach just hours prior to the Champions League final. ‘Thank you for everything coach,’ Frimpong said. ‘All the best for the future!’
Frimpong was by no means alone in enjoying Arsenal’s demise, with Chelsea’s official Instagram account even poking fun at the Gunners on their heartbreak in Hungary. ‘Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies,’ the club wrote in a statement in the immediate aftermath of the final. ‘Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now via the link on our story or in our bio.’ Just hours later, though, Chelsea’s social media team backpedaled a little, writing: ‘We probably deserve another red card for that last post! But in all seriousness, congratulations to Arsenal on winning the Premier League and a great run in the Champions League. Looking forward to picking up the battle again with you next season.’
