Don't mention the score! Mertesacker rages at Ozil for not applauding fans after Arsenal are hit for six by Manchester City

 

  Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil were involved in a massive bust-up as they walked off the pitch after Arsenal's 6-3 defeat at the Etihad.
Mertesacker stormed over to Ozil - one of his best friends in the game - and jabbed his finger in the  midfielder's face at the final whistle.

The spat was apparently as a consequence of Ozil not applauding the travelling Gunners fans, and was laughed off by boss Arsene Wenger, who said: 'The Germans will sort that out between themselves, don't worry.'

VIDEO Scroll down to watch: Manuel Pellegrini and Arsene Wenger - post match reactions

Pointing the finger: Per Mertesacker (right) explodes at Mesut Ozil following Arsenal's 6-3 defeat against Manchester City

Boiling over: Mertesacker continues to rage against his close pal

Setting an example: Jack Wilshere (left) and Mertesacker salute the Arsenal fans

Nevertheless, the pair, who play together in the German national team and are known to be close friends, exchanged heated words as Ozil made his way towards the tunnel.

Mertesacker's fury at Ozil came after one of the £42.5million signing's worst games for the club since his move from Real Madrid.

A right earful: Mertesacker continues to rage at Ozil for not applauding the away support

Stunning result: Manchester City blew open the title race by thumping the leaders

Ozil reacted to the exchange by mouthing an obscenity and flailing his arms as Mertesacker continued the row.
The Arsenal defender then made his way over towards the travelling fans and threw his shirt into the crowd as a gesture and mark of respect. 
Ozil later apologised to the fans on his Facebook page.
'Sorry I didn't thank the fans at the end of the game! You have been brilliant to me and I know you had travelled a long way and spent your money to support us,' he said.
'I was upset with the result and know I should have come to you to say 'thank you' and I know it is a big Arsenal tradition win, lose or draw.'

Mesut Ozil apologised on his Facebook page

Jumping for joy: Manchester City narrowed the gap to Arsenal with thrilling victory over the league leaders

Closing in: The Argentine provided a smart finish from a City corner in the 14th minute

Pellegrini:We can still improve, conceding three is too much

 

Wenger: We could have scored at least six as well

Level: Theo Walcott curls a shot into the bottom corner to equalise for Arsenal

Flying: Walcott celebrates his equaliser for the league leaders after Mesut Ozil's assist

Off the mark: Fernandinho scored his first goal for Manchester City to extend their lead to 3-1

Out of reach: Szczesny dives but can't get close to Fernandinho's curling shot which found the far corner

To the ground: Szczesny brought down James Milner in injury time to concede a penalty