Arsenal to pay tribute to Ray Kennedy before Wednesday’s game against West Ham after fans’ backlash

Arsenal plan a tribute to Ray Kennedy before Wednesday’s game against West Ham after a backlash from disgruntled fans demanding to know why there was nothing in his honour at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Kennedy, an icon of Bertie Mee’s Double winning team in 1971, died two weeks ago at the age of 70.

Arsenal wore black armbands to mark his passing during a game at Manchester United two days later but supporters were shocked to find no commemoration of his life and career at the next home game, Saturday’s 3-0 win against Southampton, aside from a tribute in the match-day programme.

Ray Kennedy, an icon of Arsenal’s Double winning team in 1971, died two weeks ago

In contrast, Liverpool, where Kennedy went on to become a legend and three times European champions after leaving Highbury in 1974, produced a large mosaic to form the No 5, his shirt number, and had special flags flying on the Kop.

Jurgen Klopp’s team wore black armbands during their game against Aston Villa on Saturday and there was a period of applause before kick-off at Anfield to acknowledge his glittering career.

Kennedy is perhaps best known as a Liverpool great of the Bob Paisley era but his place in Arsenal folklore was secured when he scored the goal to beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane and clinch the title in 1971.

Liverpool paid tribute to their former defender with a a large mosaic and a period of applause

Less than a week later, they added the FA Cup, beating Liverpool at Wembley. He also played a key role in their UEFA Fairs Cup triumph in 1970, their first European trophy, and Arsenal supporters, particularly those from that generation, were stunned to find his death had gone largely unnoticed at the Emirates.

‘No banners, or black armbands, no silence or clapping,’ a long-time season-ticket holder told Sportsmail. ‘The club ignored his passing. It’s a disgrace and shows the club I love has no class anymore.’

Arsenal pointed out that they had worn armbands at Old Trafford and that Saturday’s game against Southampton was busy because it had been as a charity fundraising day for the club’s Foundation.

But they appreciate the views of their supporters and are planning a pre-match tribute, with images on the big screens, ahead of the game against West Ham on Wednesday.