In a light-hearted pre-cup match prank, Arsenal players pulled a fast one on a group of reporters following them: they circled several times, blocked their path, forcibly removed the journalists from their vehicle, and sped off with it. Keeper Frank Moss took the wheel.
The relationship between footballers and the press can often be a bit tense.
However, Arsenal's players took a rather radical approach during the interwar years.
They simply ejected the journalists from their car and drove off.
This incident unfolded as the team was preparing for a cup match.
Arsenal were training in Brighton, while a group of reporters followed behind in their own vehicle, eager to keep tabs on the team and gather material.
The players were well aware of their followers.
And who wouldn’t want a bit of light-hearted fun?
According to football journalist Brian Glanville, Arsenal's team circled a roundabout a few times.
The first lap could be mistaken for a mere error.
By the second lap, things began to look a bit odd.
But with multiple circles completed, it became clear this was all part of the players' master plan.
The journalists kept tailing them in their car.
Next, the players moved into action.
They blocked the reporters' vehicle, brought it to a halt, approached, and pulled the journalists from the car.
Then, they hopped into the vehicle, with Frank Moss taking control behind the wheel.
And with that, they simply drove away, leaving the stunned journalists stranded on the roadside.
In today's context, such a stunt would surely warrant police involvement, a flurry of statements from the club, and a few days' worth of scandals on social media.
At that time, however, everything seemed a bit different.
Players and journalists often travelled together, knew each other personally, and the dynamic between teams and the press was far less formal.
Players, too, enjoyed a good prank.
Glanville recalled that the old Arsenal team was known for its humorous antics.
One of the main jokers in the squad was Arthur Shaw.
However, Shaw once became the target of a prank himself.
During a match against Charlton, Shaw was about to head a cross when an opposing player shouted, "Leave it!"
Thinking it was a directive from his teammate, Shaw let the ball pass.
That allowed the Charlton player to capitalise and score.
The goal was given, and Shaw had unwittingly followed an opponent's orders right in front of his own net.
Yet, the story of the journalists' car remains legendary.
A few professional footballers spotted the reporters trailing behind them.
They began circling the roundabout.
Then they set an ambush.
And, just like that, they booted the journalists out.
And off they sped in the journalists' car.
With their main keeper at the helm!
While the quality of the old school football is often debated, when it comes to antics off the pitch, it undoubtedly reigns supreme.
