captain role Gallas 'stripped' Arsenal

Arsenal defender William Gallas has been stripped of his captaincy role after his public attack on the team, BBC Sport understands.

Gallas, 31, also did not travel on the bus with the squad ahead of Saturday's key game against Manchester City.




In his attack, Gallas said his team-mates were "not brave enough" and accused a player of disrupting morale.

Last season his skills as a captain were questioned as the club failed to win a trophy for a third year running.

Gallas joined Arsenal in September 2006 from Chelsea and was given the captain's armband by Wenger in August 2007.

He was heavily criticised following his petulant reaction to last season's draw with Birmingham.
During the match at St Andrew's in February, Gallas kicked an advertising hoarding and stood in the other half of the pitch as James McFadden scored a last-minute penalty.