London - Nina Bracewell-Smith has attacked Arsenal's board following her dismissal as a director at the English Premier League club, according to reports on Friday.

It had been suggested that her departure followed a disagreement over the possible sale of her shares to the Uzbek oligarch Alisher Usmanov, who already controls between 24 and 25 per cent of the club's shares.

But it now seems the point of dispute was who controls transfer policy.

"I'm in total shock and very upset about the appalling way I have been treated," Bracewell-Smith was quoted as saying by the Guardian daily.

"The board have no manners whatsoever and my views were ignored on many occasions.

"I can't understand why I have been removed in such a ruthless fashion. I have had no proper explanation as to why they wanted me out so much.

"It is very difficult to accept especially after what my family has done for Arsenal for so many years."

Bracewell-Smith owns 15.9 per cent of the club, her grandfather, Sir Bracewell Smith, having served as chairman shortly after World War II.

She became frustrated at the influence of Danny Fiszman, who owns 24.1 per cent of shares - only a little less than Usmanov.

It was Fiszman's plan to relocate to the Emirates Stadium, but as he now lives as a tax exile in Switzerland and his visits to London have become increasingly infrequent.

A source quoted by the Guardian suggested that had been a major irritation.

"She always felt the club was being run for Fiszman," the source said.

"Her family own nearly as much as him but she felt she was not being recognised in the way the club was run.

"She got fed up with that and they got fed up with her trying to exert her position - that she should be treated equally." (dpa)