William Gallas Loses Captaincy at Arsenal

Reports have suggested that William Gallas has been stripped of his Arsenal captaincy and dropped from the squad.

France Football is the source that claims the defender has finally been made to pay for his verbal attacks on his Arsenal teammates. Not only that, he will not make an appearance in Saturday's match at Manchester City.

He will reportedly have to forfeit the armband to either Gael Clichy or Manuel Almunia. Although the reports haven't been confirmed by the Gunners, it shouldn't come as a surprise.

Arsene Wenger may have finally run out of patience with the 31-year-old French international after a series of incidents dating back to last season.

On Thursday, Gallas said the Arsenal team was "not brave enough in battle" and added that the squad was being hurt by the attitude and actions of one player.

During France's terrible Euro 2008 tournament, Gallas apparently singled out a player who he felt was disrespecting older members of the squad. It was written in his autobiography.

As a result, a training-ground confrontation ensued between the pair.

"I was also 20 years old once. I would never have allowed myself to speak in this tone to a footballer who was older than me,'' Gallas wrote. ''The youngsters from the Euros seem cheeky, very sure of themselves. They think they know it all, but they don't know anything."

Last month, when Arsenal blew a 4-2 lead late in the north London derby with Tottenham, Gallas reacted furiously.

It was similar to his behaviour at the end of last season's match with Birmingham City when the Gunners had to settle for a point after conceding a late penalty for a 2-2 draw.

With these actions, it seemed like it was only a matter of time for Gallas to lose his status as captain.