Following the announcement that Red and White now hold 25% of the equity in Arsenal holdings plc, the AST issued the following statement:

“This announcement (of 25%) is merely a confirmation of their stated policy. We welcome Red and White reiterating that they will not make a hostile bid for the club, something the Trust is opposed to. The interesting part of the announcement is Red and White’s claim that they are ‘committed long term investors and supporters’ of the club.

“Now that Red and White have reached 25%, the time has come to turn their attention to setting out in more detail what this position means and if they have any practical ways that this support can be expressed. The AST seeks a dialogue with all major shareholders in the club.

If Red and White have constructive proposals that fit with our rigorous demands for on-going custodianship at Arsenal, and the need to work with the current Board, we will give them a hearing.

“The Trust also welcomes the recent statement by Arsenal’s new chief executive Ivan Gazidis that he intends to forge a relationship with Red and White. The AST has consistently called on all of the major shareholders to work together for the benefit of Arsenal”.