- Brentford supporters gave Arsenal's Bukayo Saka a standing ovation when he took the field on Friday.
- Saka was subjected to racist abuse from fans after he missed a penalty kick in the Euro final.
- Brentford won the opening match of the season 2-0, the club's first top-flight win in 74 years.
Brentford fans had plenty to celebrate when their club played in the opening match of the 2021
After winning promotion from the Championship last season, Brentford was playing in their first top-flight match in 74 years.
Making the evening better, they were first to score, with Sergi Canós netting the inaugural goal of the Premier League season for the Bees in the 22nd minute.
-NBCSports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 13, 2021
But even in the thrill of their return to top-flight soccer, Brentford fans still had plenty of
In the 59th minute, Arsenal subbed on Bukayo Saka. The 19-year-old forward was subjected to racist abuse after he missed a penalty kick for England in the Euro final, contributing to the team's ultimate loss to Italy.
Brentford stood in support of Saka, offering their opponent a standing ovation as he ran onto the pitch.
-NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 13, 2021
It was a moment of class for the Brentford fans. That said, once Saka was onto the field, he was an opponent, just like any other.
-¹⁷ (@AFCayara) August 13, 2021
Brentford added another goal in the second half, with Christian Norgaard heading home a long throw-in for the Bees to double their lead to 2-0.
-NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 13, 2021
Brentford supporters did a lot of cheering for their side in their first match since being promoted to the Premier League, but the moment they took to cheer for the opposition was something special.