An Arsenal fans group campaigning to raise the volume at matches admitted it “hurts” to hear former players Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri criticise the atmosphere at the Emirates – but it “needed to be said”.

Nasri recently spoke about fans being “not that passionate” since the club moved home in 2006 after his transfer to Manchester City, while former captain Fabregas suggested the Emirates did not feel as “special” as Highbury.

Responding to the players’ comments, Ben Dimech, 33, spokesman for the group Red Action, said: “I think they are right and it’s something that needed to be said.

“It hurts a bit when these players we sang about say Arsenal fans are not very passionate. We are passionate but we could be more vocal. But Arsenal has never had the loudest matches – even at Highbury.”

Red Action was formed in 2003 with a mission to boost the atmosphere at games. It runs an online discussion board where fans collaborate on new chants.

Mr Dimech also welcomed the club’s decision to give tickets to a future away game to supporters who went to the 8-2 thrashing at Manchester United. He added: “The vocal support from the fans who travelled was tremendous. It almost made the quotes from Nasri and Fabregas look silly.”