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Piers Morgan 'hurt' by Bob Wilson's Arsenal jibe

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson branded Piers Morgan "pompous" © PA Photos

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You would think an America's Got Talent judge would be able to take his fair share of criticism, but Piers Morgan declared himself "hurt" over former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson's claims that he is not an authentic fan of the club.

Morgan, a former newspaper editor turned American television host, is a high-profile Arsenal follower but his frequent sounding off against long-serving manager Arsene Wenger - on a variety of media platforms - has left a bitter taste with Wilson.

The 73-year-old, a double winner with the club in 1971, told talkSPORT: "I would like to say this about Piers Morgan. He claims to be an Arsenal fan, but if you're a supporter of a club you have to be through thick, thin, laughter, smiles and tears. He has never been a proper fan.

"I see him on Twitter and he drives me mad. He's an incredibly pompous individual and he has no understanding of what it is to be the manager of a football club.

"I can only tell you this about Arsene - and I am biased to a degree, but I'm not stupidly biased - you will not find any manager ever, more dedicated to doing his job than Arsene."

Morgan was stung by the words from one of his heroes of yesteryear and took to Twitter to keep his 4.38 million followers abreast of the spat.

I've no problem with @BobWilsonBWSC calling me pompous. I probably am. But the 'not a proper fan' charge annoys me.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 26, 2015

I love @Arsenal with a passion. Disagree me over players/manager etc. But NEVER doubt my devotion to the Club. That hurts. #afc

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 26, 2015

I heard 60,000 Arsenal fans booing the team off the pitch last night - are they 'proper fans'?

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 26, 2015

Bob Wilson says I drive him mad on Twitter, but he still follows me. Bit weird, no? Just press the 'unfollow' button mate. #afc

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 26, 2015

Soon after wrapping up his defence, Morgan was involved in an angry exchange with former England rugby union hooker Brian Moore about pop singer Madonna, who suffered an untimely fall during her performance at The Brits on Tuesday night.

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