Arsenal fans called out as Emirates empties before final whistle in Villa clash

RIO FERDINAND and Des Kelly called out Arsenal fans' early exodus from the Emirates during a devastating 2-0 loss against Aston Villa.

Shock home defeats for the Gunners and Liverpool left Manchester City two points clear amid a pivotal weekend for the Premier League title race.

But pundits like Manchester United legend Ferdinand struggled to accept Arsenal supporters streaming out well ahead of the final whistle.

Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins struck on 84 and 87 minutes as Villa went three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham with a deserved victory.

And ex-England defender Ferdy shared a picture of fast-emptying seats behind the goal as he wrote: "Early train Arsenal fans??? Ffs."

Former long-serving BT Sport broadcaster Kelly posted an even sparser image from the touchline stands and added: "With 8 mins still to go..?"

One viewer labelled the home crowd "an embarrassing set of fans".

Another observer responded: "The title race is not over, the players need to feel their support more than ever."

Ferdinand's displeasure over the disappearing Emirates audience won plenty of backing on social media.

"Rio is cooking," said one football enthusiast.

And another added: "Shocking support when your team really needs it. 75% of fans had left once 2 nil down."

Inevitably, of course rival supporters joined the taunts from the wider football audience.

"Yep, fire drill started at 1 nil down," mocked one, while a few dubbed the early-leavers "plastic" fans.

One supporter tried to hit back by posting: "95th minute, 2-0 down with no chance to win, why wait around?"

But he came under instant fire from replies like: "That’s with 2 and half minutes left, it was empty with 7 and half to go."