Peter Simpson dies at 81: Emotional tributes pour in for Arsenal icon

Double-winner Peter Simpson remembered as Arsenal announce death aged 81

Peter Simpson dies at 81: Emotional tributes pour in for Arsenal icon
Peter Simpson dies at 81: Emotional tributes pour in for Arsenal icon

Former Arsenal ace Peter Simpson has died aged 81 years old.

According to Express, Simpson was a key member of the Gunners' 1970/71 double-winning squad, and during his time at the club made close to 500 appearances.

Arsenal in an statemnet on Wednesday, May 13, said, "Everyone at Arsenal is sad to learn that Peter Simpson has died, aged 81. Peter was a major part of the 1970-71 Double-winning squad, making 478 appearances during his time at the club. All of us are thinking of his loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Peter."


One of Simpson's most defining moments in an Arsenal shirt came at White Hart Lane, where he made a late block to deny Tottenham from scoring, while ensuring a 1-0 win that saw the Gunners clinch the title.

Tributes for the Arsenal star have been flooding in, with Piers Morgan posting online, “Very sad news. One of my first Arsenal heroes in that wonderful 1971 team. Superb player. RIP Peter.”

A user wrote on X, "Such sad news. Arsenal legend. Had the privilege to meet and play in a friendly against him when he was at Hendon FC, c1980. Always keen to encourage young players… RIP."

Another user added, "The League Championship in May 1971. We were winning 1-0 at Spurs, but a score draw would hand the title to Leeds. In the last few moments of the match Spurs' Cyril Knowles shot at our goal. RIP Peter."

After a stunning 18-year stint he left Arsenal in 1978, Simpson continued his career over in North America. He played for the likes of Boston Beacons, Toronto Hellas, and New England Tea Men, before returning to England a year later where Simpson finished his career with non-League Hendon