Why Arsenal are wearing black armbands against Lille

Arsenal are wearing black armbands against Lille in memory of life president Ken Friar, whose death at the age of 92 was announced on Tuesday.

The tribute will mark the passing of a figure whose association with Arsenal began as a boy and continued through some of the most significant moments in the club’s history.

Friar served as club secretary and managing director before helping oversee the move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Life President Ken Friar OBE.

Since our formation in 1886, there have been many inspirational individuals who have driven our club forward, but no one has had an influence on Arsenal Football Club quite like ‘Mr Friar’… pic.twitter.com/5m80CEkp8J

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 13, 2026

Arsenal black armbands honour Ken Friar

The Standard reports that Arsenal’s players will wear the armbands during Tuesday’s Champions League fixture as a mark of respect.

In their tribute, the club described Friar’s legacy as an “extraordinary life of service”.

His connection with Arsenal began with part-time work in 1946, before he joined the box office full-time in 1950.

He became club secretary in 1973 and managing director ten years later, taking on responsibilities that helped shape Arsenal both on and off the pitch.

A lasting presence at the Emirates

Friar worked alongside fellow director Danny Fiszman on Arsenal’s relocation from Highbury, one of the defining projects of his career.

He received an OBE for services to football in 2000 and was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004.

After stepping down from his executive responsibilities in 2020, he became the club’s life president.

His contribution is commemorated outside the Emirates by the Ken Friar Bridge and a statue depicting him playing football as a youngster.

Tuesday’s tribute brings that history into Arsenal’s latest European fixture, with supporters remembering a man who devoted his working life to the club.