Ian Wright believes the Arsenal players are denying Arsene Wenger the chance to leave the club with dignity.
The Gunners crashed out of the Champions League at the round of 16 stage for the seventh successive season following a 10-2 aggregate demolition by Bayern Munich.
Wenger branded referee Anastasios Sidiropoulos's performance 'revolting' and shielded his players from criticism while inviting it on himself by praising the performance of his team.
Theo Walcott was one of few Arsenal players to face the media after their latest humiliation and urged his team-mates to fight for Wenger's future.
But the England international was in the minority in speaking out and Wright has criticised the Arsenal players for failing to shoulder their fair share of flak.
"It's high time Arsenal's stars started protecting boss Arsene Wenger - he has protected them for far too long," Wright wrote in The Sun.
"The Frechman is like their dad, saving them from all criticism and taking it on himself."
Wenger's contract expires at the end of the season and he is yet to sign Arsenal's offer of a two-year extension, but the deal remains on the table should the Frenchman opt to sign it.
The Arsenal boss has said he will make a call on his future in 'March or April', while claiming the club's ability to remain competitive will be key to his decision.
"If Arsene does go at the end of the season, he should do so with dignity after all he has done for the club," Wright added.
"But the players aren't allowing that to happen.
"They must perform from now until the end of May, when hpefully they will be in the FA Cup final, so there is no reason for anyone to point fingers at anybody.
"That would allow Arsene to walk out with his head held high. He deserves that."
