Ex-Arsenal Defender Resigns After Punching Fan In The Face

Ex-Arsenal defender Nelson Vivas has resigned as coach of Primera Argentina side Quilmes after chasing down and punching one of the club’s fans who allegedly insulted him.

The incident occurred at the end of a one-all draw against Atletico Rafaela last Friday

The 44-year-old, who spent three years under Arsene Wenger while at Arsenal making forty appearances, had to be restrained by local police after his altercation with a fan in the stands.

“I’m not a violent person but I realise that’s not the image a trainer should give,” Vivas told reporters after offering his resignation to the club’s representatives.

Club President Anibal Fernandez said that although Vivas regretted his actions, he had no choice but to accept the end of his tenure.

Vivas took over for the club this season in his first job as a head coach, and leaves Quilmes in 16th place in Argentina’s Primera, after accumulating just 14 points from 12 matches.

Vivas began and ended his playing career at Quilmes but also turned out for Boca Juniors, Lugano, Arsenal, Celta Vigo, Inter Milan and River Plate, as well as Argentina’s national side, earning 39 caps between 1994 and 2003.