Conor McGregor was 'asked to leave' after entering Arsenal pitch and play-fighting with Bukayo Saka

Evening Standard

·3 October 2024

Conor McGregor was 'asked to leave' after entering Arsenal pitch and play-fighting with Bukayo Saka

The UFC star was reportedly escorted from the pitch by security at the Emirates Stadium

Conor McGregor was asked to leave after entering the pitch without permission to pose for photos with Arsenal players and then play-fighting with Bukayo Saka, according to reports.

OneFootball Videos

The UFC star - a confirmed Manchester United fan - attended the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday as Arsenal beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and celebrated the victory by making his way onto the pitch after the game.

He took photos with the likes of Declan Rice and was even recorded play-fighting with a reluctant-looking Saka before, according to the Irish Mirror, being asked by security to leave.

In video footage circling on social media, McGregor can be seen gently kicking the Arsenal before attempting to grapple him to the pitch as Saka says with a laugh: "Be careful, man!"

The report claims McGregor was not an official guest of the club, securing a ticket to the match via an unknown third party, and went on to use the opportunity to promote his alcohol businesses by posing for photos while near the centre circle.

McGregor has not fought in UFC since losing twice to Dustin Poirier in 2021. He was due to return to the Octagon at UFC 303, in June of this year, but withdrew due to a toe injury.

Speaking to reporters in August, UFC chief executive Dana White confirmed McGregor’s return has been delayed until 2025.

"He wants to fight, so we'll figure it out," White told reporters. "Not this year. He won't fight this year."

View publisher imprint