Why Unai Emery didn't shake hands with Arsenal staff after Villa's 1-0 Victory over Arsenal
Aston Villa’s coach, Unai Emery, didn’t shake hands with the Arsenal coaches after they won 1-0 on Saturday. He said it wasn’t because of any problems but because Arsenal’s main coach, Mikel Arteta, wasn’t there. Arteta got a ban, so he had to watch from a special area instead of being on the field.
The tradition of handshakes after soccer matches has historical roots in sportsmanship and mutual respect. The gesture is a symbol of fair play and goodwill, regardless of the intensity and competitiveness of the game. The handshake tradition is not unique to soccer but is prevalent in many sports.
Historically, the practice of shaking hands after a match is believed to have originated in the early days of organized sports as a way for players to show respect for each other’s skills and the spirit of the game. It signifies the end of competition and the beginning of camaraderie. Despite the physical and emotional challenges faced during a match, players come together to acknowledge each other’s efforts and uphold the values of sportsmanship.
The handshake tradition is also seen as a way to diffuse tensions that may have arisen during the game. In the heat of competition, players might engage in intense tackles or verbal exchanges, and the post-match handshake serves as a way to reconcile and move past any on-field conflicts.
In recent years, the tradition of handshakes has occasionally been a subject of debate and controversy. There have been instances where players or teams refused to shake hands due to various reasons, such as lingering animosity or perceived disrespect. However, the handshake tradition remains an integral part of soccer culture, symbolizing the principles of fair play, respect, and unity in the world of sports.
Emery used to be Arsenal’s coach before Arteta, and he explained that he shook hands with some other people who helped when he was there. But he didn’t do it with the coaches because Arteta wasn’t around. He made it clear that he respects Arsenal and Arteta a lot and that there’s no bad blood.
Emery enjoyed the win with the fans instead of shaking hands. After the game, he was asked if Aston Villa could win the league, but he didn’t want to talk about it too much. He said they would talk about it later in the season, maybe around game 30 or 32, and see how things are going. Right now, he thinks it’s too early to say they can win the league, even though they’re doing well in the top four.
