Arsenal will pay respect to a club icon in their first Champions League home match of the season against Lille.

Arsenal and Lille have never met previously in European competition, though several players have played for both clubs - including present day stars Gabriel and Olivier Giroud respectively.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who reached the final of the competition last season only to be beaten by French opposition - Paris Saint-Germain - on penalties, got their league phase campaign up an running with a 1-0 win over Napoli last month.

A similar outcome tonight is expected given how strong Arsenal have been at the Emirates Stadium in the competition, particularly since returning to the competition in 2023.

Back at home today after winning in Naples last month, Arsenal will be in their traditional red and white colours. However, there will be a slight change to their look, and for good reason too.

Arsenal players are wearing black armbands against Lille tonight in memory of life president Ken Friar OBE, who has sadly passed away aged 92.

Traditionally, a black armband is a sign of mourning and are normally worn on a players right arm, to not be confused with the captain's armband which is usually on the left sleeve.

Friar’s association with Arsenal stretched more than eight decades, starting officially when he joined the club's box office in 1950.

He went on to become club secretary in 1973 and ten years later he was appointed managing director, a role Arsenal described as “effectively running the football club”.

Friar played a leading role in overseeing Arsenal’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium and received an OBE in 2000 for services to football. Four years later was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Islington.

After stepping down as executive director in 2020, Friar was appointed life president at Arsenal.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Life President Ken Friar OBE,” the Gunners said in a statement.

“He will never be forgotten by all those who knew him, be they players who he meticulously talked through a contract, members of the local council who he quietly but persuasively explained the club’s value to the Borough, staff members who delighted in hearing his treasure trove of stories gleaned over many decades but most of all his family and close friends, who loved him for the kind, generous, wonderful father, grandad or friend that he was.

“Our thoughts are with Ken Friar’s family and many friends at this difficult time.”