Hammers fans praise ‘Arnie’ for iron salute

West Ham fans have praised midfielder Marko Arnautovic for his display against former club Stoke at the weekend, and have defended his controversial ‘iron salute’ gesture towards his former fans.

Arnautovic sparked outrage after his display at the bet365 stadium, getting his name on the scoresheet for the second time in three games.

However it was not his performance that had the Stoke City fans, and Mark Hughes raging.

Arnautovic performed an ‘iron’s salute’ towards the Stoke fans during the game in response to some taunts from his former supporters – and his actions were met with a huge backlash.

“There was a little bit of baiting (from the Stoke crowd) obviously, but did he not expect that?” his former boss Hughes said after the game.

“I had better be careful because it sounds like sour grapes (but) I think he should have risen above any criticism or abuse that he had.

“He had enough at other places, and this place was actually very, very good for him. The fans loved him here. So to burn all your bridges after just one game, he didn’t need to do it.”

Arnautovic then added insult to injury after he walked down the touchline applauding the Stoke fans after being subbed on 80 minutes.

“He was doing all sorts by the end and did well to get back to the dressing room safely,” Hughes added.

Hammers fans however have defended ‘Arnie’s’ gesture, and seem pleased to see him back to his enigmatic best …

https://twitter.com/ClassicOdoi/status/942165120528060418

Nothing more beautiful than seeing them northern pikeys rage over Arnautovic hahahaha

— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) December 16, 2017

https://twitter.com/davidgoId_/status/942026187580329988

After about 33 efforts on goal and being booed the entire game by the Stoke fans, Arnautovic finally scores against his former club. Did he celebrate? Too right he did.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 16, 2017

Arnautovic has just had his moment, what a lad.

— Geo Mackie (@redhammer8) December 16, 2017

Arnautovic having beef with Shawcross and also doing the hammers sign to the Stoke fans was magical

— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) December 16, 2017