Olivier Giroud Hillsborough tribute: Arsenal striker dedicates his goal against West Ham United to victims of the tragedy

Striker removed his black arm band, kissed it, and lifted it towards the sky

Olivier Giroud pays tribute to the Hillsborough victims after scoring against West Ham (GETTY IMAGES)

Olivier Giroud marked his fine goal against West Ham United in the Gunners 3-1 victory on Tuesday night with a tribute to the victims of Hillsborough on the 25th anniversary.

The France striker, whose stunning goal put the Gunners ahead, took off his black arm band worn in memory of the 96 supporters who lost their lives in the tragedy, kissed it, and lifted it in the air.

"I didn't know exactly the story [of Hillsborough] but I was really sensitive to it and I just wanted to pay homage to them," Giroud said. "I dedicate my goal to them. It was normal for me to think of the families."

Manager Arsene Wenger described Giroud as a "great guy" afterwards. The 27-year-old scored his 20th goal in all competitions for the club this term but has struggled in the second half of this season, scoring six goals in his last 15 matches.

Olivier Giroud kisses the arm band after scoring

"It was a perfect first touch," Wenger said about the goal in which Giroud pulled the ball down from the sky to set up his goal. "You need that if you want to score the goal. What I liked is that he used his upper body first to make some space and despite that he managed to have a great first touch. And after he finished well.

"Olivier is a great guy, with a great mentality. He has gone through a difficult period, as you know, and I think it affected his game for a while, and his confidence. At half-time he was very, very down because he missed a great chance but he responded very well in the second-half because mentally he is a very strong guy."