Arsenal left back Tierney apologises for middle-finger gesture after Man City win

After Arsenal victory against Manchester City, Emiliano Martinez posted a photograph from Arsenal's dressing room, showing the team celebrating their success in the FA Cup semi-final and Kieran Tierney caught everyone's attention as he waved a middle finger up to the camera.

The defender has issued an apology for the incident as he did not know the picture would go public (the goalkeeper has since deleted it from his social media accounts).

"Didn’t realise this was getting posted. Was a joke with the Kitman. I’m so sorry if it caused anyone offence - wasn’t meant in any way," tweeted the Scotland international.

Didn’t realise this was getting posted. Was a joke with the Kitman. I’m so sorry if it caused anyone offence - wasn’t meant in any way. https://t.co/dRGugt1zsW

— Kieran Tierney (@kierantierney1) July 18, 2020

Then, the story took a different turn, as a fan named Andreas Eikaasen replied to Tierney from a hospital bed.

"Let’s just say It was meant for my cancer, mate! Brilliant game today, made my night at the hospital," he tweeted.

Didn’t realise this was getting posted. Was a joke with the Kitman. I’m so sorry if it caused anyone offence - wasn’t meant in any way. https://t.co/dRGugt1zsW

— Kieran Tierney (@kierantierney1) July 18, 2020

Kieran responded to that with a brilliant gesture – he promised to send the fan his shirt from Saturday's game.

"That’s exactly what it stood for my man! U legend... get in touch I will send u my shirt from tonight. Keep fighting," tweeted the ex-Celtic man.

Didn’t realise this was getting posted. Was a joke with the Kitman. I’m so sorry if it caused anyone offence - wasn’t meant in any way. https://t.co/dRGugt1zsW

— Kieran Tierney (@kierantierney1) July 18, 2020

Tierney's amazing performances on the pitch and his jovial, down-to-earth personality off it have seen him become a popular figure among the Gunners faithful.

Speaking to the press earlier in July, Mikel Arteta praised the Isle of Man native for his character.

"Everybody loves him at the club and it is not a coincidence: he earns that every single day, the way he treats people, the way he works around the way, the energy he brings to the place," said the boss.