Arsenal Honors Ken Friar With Black Armbands Against Lille

Arsenal wore black armbands during their Champions League match against Lille on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Emirates Stadium to honor club life president Ken Friar, who died aged 92 after decades of service.

According to Metro.co.uk, Friar was born in Islington in August 1934 and joined Arsenal at age 11 in 1945 as a messenger after meeting manager George Allison.

Friar later became Arsenal club secretary in 1973 and managing director in 1983, according to Metro.co.uk. He also played a leading role in the club's move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal said Friar remained on the board until stepping down as an executive director in 2020 before becoming life president. The club also noted his OBE for services to football in 2000 and Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004.

"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’,’" said Arsenal in a tribute on its website.

The club added that Friar's legacy came from a lifetime of service to Arsenal. Further tributes are scheduled when Arsenal host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

According to TechRadar.com, Arsenal entered the Lille match after a 1-0 away win over Napoli in the Champions League and a 2-1 comeback victory over Leeds United in domestic competition.

TechRadar.com reported that Lille arrived after a 3-2 home defeat by Real Betis in their opening Champions League match. The French side had collected six points from their previous three Ligue 1 games before facing Arsenal.