Arsenal delayed after Blackpool fan stages protest on top of team bus

Delayed | Arsenal were forced to use an alternate coach while the fan was removed
Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Arsenal's preparations for their FA Cup third round clash with Blackpool were disrupted when a fan climbed on top of their team bus.

The Blackpool fan, believed to be protesting against Owen Oyston's ownership of the club, scaled the coach at the Gunners' hotel and refused to move, prompting fears the game could be delayed.

According to reports, the protestor was eventually talked down after police were called and a replacement coach sent to collect the Gunners squad.

Blackpool fans appear keen to use the high-profile cup-tie as a chance to gain publicity for their protest movement against Oyston, who has owned the club since 1986. Many are continuing to boycott matches, with the visiting Arsenal contingent of more than 5,000 expected to outnumber the home fans.

The game, which is scheduled to kick-off at 5:30pm on Saturday evening at Bloomfield Road, will be Arsenal manager Unai Emery's first in the FA Cup since taking over from Arsene Wenger this summer.

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