Why are Arsenal wearing black armbands today against Bournemouth?

ARSENAL are taking on Bournemouth today as they continue their start to the Premier League season.

And today you'll notice they are wearing black armbands in a tribute to a much-loved member of staff.

Why are Arsenal wearing black armbands today?

Arsenal are wearing black armbands today in memory of head groundsman, Steve Braddock, who died this week after a long illness.

Braddock exceeded in his job, winning the Premier League Pitch of the Season award on several occasions as well as ‘Turf’s Top Influencer’ in 2019.

A year later 2020 he became only the second person in history to enter the Grounds Management Association’s Hall of Fame.

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Braddock was famed for his work on the Highbury turf before making the switch to the Emirates, while he also worked on the 11 pitches at London Colney, Arsenal's training ground.

He also passed on his knowledge to other groundsmen and had his own mentor in North London - Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal legend was like a father figure to Braddock and the pair remained close up until his death.