An ex-Arsenal star has hit out at Jack Wilshere’s exuberant FA Cup celebrations, but supporters have backed the Gunners midfielder.

In similar scenes to 12 months ago when Arsenal also won the cup, Wilshere led thousands of supporters in an expletive-laden chant against north London rivals Spurs during the Gunners’ victory parade on Sunday following their drubbing of Aston Villa in the 2015 final the day before.

Former Arsenal striker Niall Quinn feels Wilshere, 23, should have behaved better.

Quinn, who won the 1987 League Cup with Arsenal, said: "You want passion from your players, there is no doubt about that, but he has overstepped the mark once more.

"I think most Arsenal fans and fans of any club love to interact with players and love to feel their passion, but he has pushed the boat out too far once again. He has to act a little bit better from now on."

Lois Langton, chairwoman of the Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association, has a different view and believes Wilshere has been unfairly criticised.

She said: “Jack Wilshere showed that he totally understands what it is to be an Arsenal supporter.

"He has been with us since he was nine years of age and, for him, winning with Arsenal means celebrating with supporters.

"Jack simply reflected what is sung on the terraces up and down the country, week in and week out - the Spurs supporters have exactly the same songs for us."

Wilshere has apologised if his anti-Spurs chants caused any offence.

While falling short of saying sorry for making the remarks, Wilshere said on Twitter: "Sharing back2back Cup wins with so many amazing Gooners is a dream come true. Apologies if I upset or offended any of u with my celebrations."

Wilshere will be joining up with England later this week for the June internationals.

It does not appear the Football Association will take action over the victory parade chanting, though Arsenal issued a swift apology during their in-house broadcast of the event and are understood to have spoken to Wilshere about his conduct.