Josh Kroenke forced to issue apology after major fan backlash

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Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has demonstrated his willingness to face supporters head-on during difficult periods, with the club owner previously forced to apologise following major fan criticism.

The 45-year-old son of Stan Kroenke, whose Kroenke Sports and Entertainment group became Arsenal’s sole operator in August 2018, is expected to be in attendance for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Kroenke’s approach to fan relations extends beyond Arsenal, as evidenced by his response to criticism from Colorado Rapids supporters in September 2023. The MLS club’s fan group Centennial 38 launched a scathing open letter targeting the Kroenke family’s ownership.

Rapids fans demand answers

The supporter group identified numerous issues plaguing the franchise, including insufficient investment in the team and facilities, poor fan engagement, and the deteriorating state of DICK’S Sporting Goods Park stadium.

According to Football London, Josh Kroenke responded directly to the criticism, announcing engagement with multiple companies including Legends, Civitas, Perkins & Will, and Turner Construction to assess potential infrastructure projects.

“Our supporters will always be the lifeblood of our club. We hear you and we look forward to having an ongoing dialogue with Centennial 38 over their concerns and our plans for the future,” he stated.

Arsenal parallels emerge

The Rapids situation mirrors earlier criticism Kroenke faced from Arsenal supporters. In 2019, 16 Gunners supporter groups signed a letter and launched a petition demanding greater commitment and leadership from the ownership.

Josh Kroenke once again stepped forward to address the concerns directly, acknowledging the difficulty of receiving such criticism while defending the family’s approach.

“I’m not in this business to make friends, I’m in it to win,” he said at the time. “I’ve sat down with supporters’ groups. I’ve not been afraid to sit down to have tough conversations with people because I’m transparent, we’re transparent, we don’t have anything to hide.”

The Kroenke family’s response appears to have yielded results at Arsenal. Following a significant transfer investment in summer 2025, Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit top of the Premier League while remaining active in the Champions League and FA Cup quarter-finals.

Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City could potentially mark the first trophy of what might become a historic quadruple campaign for the north London club.