A rather chaotic first half between Arsenal and Real Madrid saw two red cards dished out by the referee before the interval – and with centre-back Sokratis following Real Madrid’s Nacho down the tunnel somewhat prematurely, the Greek defender was met with some scathing reviews from his own fans.
Sokratis was penalised for clattering into Luka Modric late in the first period and earned his second caution in a matter of seconds in the process, after leaving the Ballon d’Or winner in a heap.
With the referee not in any mood to relax his application of the law in this pre-season friendly – having already sent off Nacho for a goal-saving handball – Sokratis was given his marching orders, and with it came similar undertones from a number of Arsenal fans.
The 31-year-old’s first season in English football since signing from Borussia Dortmund was ill-disciplined to say the least – picking up 12 yellow cards (two of which resulting in a Europa League dismissal) and missing four games through suspension.
And it seems that some fans have seen enough of the defender – with his actions doing little to alleviate the concerns over the defence ahead of the new campaign – judging by the reaction from these supporters:
Sokrates needs to play Hockey. What the hell is that hack still doing on the squad. He’s terrible!
— Walt lehmann (@waltdog1) July 23, 2019
Can you please just leave him behind when you travel home?
— Phillip Clausen (@PhillipClausen3) July 23, 2019
As much as I like Papa he picks up silly yellows all too often
— Dav!d (@Oba_Razzak) July 24, 2019
Please address these defensive problems ASAP. PLEASE!
— Łukasz (@iamtheluka) July 23, 2019
He’s a good defender but such a liability
— #freetayk (@DenzoDB) July 23, 2019
I still can’t believe that I will be watching Sokratis and Mustafi in our defense, very uninspiring!
— Punda Amechoka (@AmechokaPunda) July 24, 2019
Dude never learns, plays like a mad man sometimes, going to cost us this game now.
— Daniel Cole Ameh (@dbaba79) July 24, 2019
Holding can’t come back quick enough. Second coming of Adams/Keown through Holding/Chambers needed
— Ross (@RW_afc) July 24, 2019
Man tackles like he’s a tractor
— Omo Ológo (@patrickuyoro) July 23, 2019
You see why you can’t bank on Socratis???? He concedes too many meaningless fouls. You need to sign defenders ASAP.
— Megan’s Dad (@FemiOmotee) July 23, 2019
