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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Alexandre Lacazette branded "pathetic" and a "laughing stock" over Arsenal play acting

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has been labelled "pathetic" and accused of leaving fans with a "sour taste" with his play acting.

Lacazette, 29, was heard screaming after he was tackled by Erik Pieters in the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Burnley last Saturday.

The Frenchman appeared to be writhing in pain after the challenge but was up on his feet and able to continue just moments later.

Lacazette was ridiculed over the incident on Match of the Day by presenter Gary Lineker as well as pundits Dion Dublin and Ian Wright, although the latter went on to apologise.

Mikel Arteta later hit back at criticism of Lacazette and accused Burnley of trying to "weaken" his players with their physical tactics.

Lacazette yelled out in agony but was able to continue moments later (Getty Images)

But the incident continues to be the subject of derision and West Brom forward Charlie Austin, currently on loan at QPR, is the latest person to take aim at Lacazette.

Speaking about Lacazette's scream on his Studs Up podcast, Austin said: "Pathetic, wasn't it? There was no need for it.

"It makes it more [easy to hear] because there's no fans in the stadium. Don't get me wrong, it goes on in football but we don't want to hear it do we.

Austin slammed the Frenchman for his "stupid" play acting (Paul Greenwood/BPI/Shutterstock)

Is Charlie Austin's criticism of Alexandre Lacazette fair? Have your say in the comments.

"Let's be honest, a full-grown man screaming like that is ridiculous. I think it just makes the football side of it a laughing stock really.

"What's he doing? And then he gets up and continues! Stupid, man. I really don't get it, it kind of puts a sour taste to many people watching."

Asked what he thinks when he is on the pitch and an opposition player is "play acting", Austin replied: "We know that they're play acting and they're doing what they can to win a free kick.

"And I do understand that, but it's so frustrating! When you're trying to do it, it's the best thing ever - or someone in your team.

"But when it's someone else doing it and it's over the top - or even if it is someone in your team doing it - sometimes it's embarrassing. You're like 'What are you doing, mate?'

"I mean, it's too obvious. I just don't like the way he [Lacazette] was doing it. It was stupid."

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