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As the banner from the glory days used to read, Arsene Knows.

Arsene Wenger knows that the fans are not happy, the natives are getting restless and don’t think for a moment that he’s burying his head in the sand and ignoring it.

But there’s also a line of decency and respect that some fans crossed on Sunday. The abuse shouted at Wenger on Sunday was vile, personal and hateful.

As Richard Dunmall @rich_euphrates wrote on Twitter: “I was in block one. Small no of individuals but was vile and he definitely heard it. Stared them out.”

(Image: Getty)

Just imagine that for a moment. You give 20 years of your life to something, lead the club to glorious times and now, suddenly, the fans don’t just want you out, they are abusing you.

I’m sure that Wenger will publicly deny being hurt. Probably even say he didn’t hear it and that he won’t let it affect him in doing his job. But it must hurt.

My point is really simple. I think it’s time for change. Personally, I’d make that change in 2017 when Wenger reaches the end of his contract.

But there’s no need for the abuse. It’s horrendous and shameful. The idiots who shout abuse should be embarrassed. By all means, voice frustration and get fed-up. But don’t abuse the best manager that Arsenal have ever had.

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Wenger works 24/7, has been Arsenal’s greatest and most successful manager, is still incredibly driven and is desperate for success.

Yes, he makes mistakes (don’t we all?) but no-one can question his commitment. You can question his management. Of course, as paying punters, fans are entitled to do that.

But it’s the abuse that’s not needed. I see some of these idiots on Twitter with their foul mouth abuse and think what it must be like to have that multiplied by a million because you’re Arsene Wenger.

My personal view is that Wenger should go at the end of his contract in 2017. He should go out as a hero, be treated with respect and regarded as the most influential manager in the club’s history.

(Image: Paul Gilham/Getty)

Wenger changed the face of English football. Led Arsenal to the Double, three titles, made history with the Invincibles and even oversaw the move to the Emirates.

If anyone thinks that Wenger didn’t pull off a miracle each season when, grappling with a tight budget and a move into a new stadium, he guided the club into top four then they need their heads testing. They have no sense of reality.

Arsenal were up against Chelsea and Manchester City’s new found wealth, they had to compete on a budget and still made the Champions League every year.

They also finished above Tottenham each and every year. Now Tottenham are second, they are gunning for the title and loving it. That’s been Arsenal in so many of Wenger’s seasons in charge.

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No wonder Tottenham fans and fans of other clubs laugh at Arsenal supporters. They think they’re idiots for not appreciating what they’ve got.

But Arsenal fans will miss him when he’s gone because the next guy won’t finish in the top four for 20 consecutive years.

I do have to question the mentality of the fans who would rather Arsenal finish outside the top four just because it might get rid of Wenger. Similarly, those who are giving up their season tickets. I thought you supported your club through thick and thin. These are hardly thin times.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

I like Wenger, both as a human being and also I respect him as a manager. I’ve written a book on him. I think it’s balanced, contains praise and criticism in equal measure. Too many people have lost sight of how good he has been for Arsenal, though.

I hope Wenger gives it one last blast this summer, buys well and buys big and goes out in a blaze of glory and is welcomed back as a hero.

My fear is that if he stays for another contract it will become so toxic that the memories will be tarnished forever. If they haven’t been already.