tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post1178530461555036956..comments2023-10-30T07:49:39.886-04:00Comments on Goonerboy: In defence of the flag ban.Goonerboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10489244017423718503noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-29838408733227113962006-12-22T15:45:00.000-05:002006-12-22T15:45:00.000-05:00To Anonymous 3.28pm and 3.13pm - "fighting to kee...To Anonymous 3.28pm and 3.13pm - "fighting to keep existing", "defend its borders" ???? <br /><br />Wake up boys and smell the coffee - have a look at this tinyurl.com/hws7p and go onto the United Nations website and see how many resolutions have been passed against Israel - luckily their chums in the white house always ensure that nothing happens on that front.<br /><br />Also, when over 80% of casualties (see red cross and Amnesty sites for exact figures) are Palestinian, thats not self-defence !!!!<br /><br />Regarding the flags - im actually split on this issue because at the end of the day, we are all Arsenal supporters and this kind of thing should not detract or get in the way of getting behind the team, however whilst for some people seeing a Brazil flag, for example, is great and would no doubt please the Brazillian players at the club, what about our Argentinian fans ?? <br /><br />How would they feel ??<br /><br />Also, if a Scottish Gooner was to come down to the Grove and start waving a Scotland flag - im pretty sure that wouldn't go down too well with the vast majority of fans !!!<br /><br />I think as usual the club has made the right decision and there was no need for consultation with fans etc, <br /><br />However, one decision the club has definitely got wrong is to take money from a regime like Israel and promote it as a tourist destination - this is bordering on hypocrisy as this act in itself alienates hundreds and thousands of people as Israel, see above link, is hardly a country a club like Arsenal should be alligning itself with.<br /><br />I agree with the person who said its a money game but would we take money to promote Iraq or Iran or North Korea ?<br /><br />Would we take money from an abortion clicnic to promote their services ?<br /><br />Of course we wouldn't and we would be wrong to do so and just as with the flag issue, where Asrenal have acted sensibly and requested all flags be left at home so that nobody can take offence - i think Arsenal should follow that up by returning the money from the deal with the Israeli Tourist Board and ending the horrible agreement whereby 'Think Israel' is flashed across our beautiful new stadium - when i think Israel i think tinyurl.com/hws7p as do millions across the globe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-23400519036871468682006-12-21T05:39:00.000-05:002006-12-21T05:39:00.000-05:00As a South African gooner, I must say that I agree...As a South African gooner, I must say that I agree with the sentiments of the article. <br /><br />At the same time, I think that the use of national flags is a way of personalising the support shown in a "look at me, I'm an arsenal fan and an Ivorian" kind of way. I think the unfortunate consequence of this is that we'll lose this element of individuality. We've all looked with horror at stadiums full of Maoist Chinese waving identical flags in unison. I'm not saying we'll end up like this, but evry little bit means something.<br /><br />That said, if the club feels that through this decision, they are eliminating the possibility of an inflammatory atmosphere developing, then I support it. <br /><br />What I would hate to hear though is that this is a knee-jerk reaction to a complaint by a hyper-sensitive minority group who in no way represent the best interests of the club.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-50723588933197374092006-12-20T16:12:00.000-05:002006-12-20T16:12:00.000-05:00why not just ban flags that don't represent any of...why not just ban flags that don't represent any of the players?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-6858800897546998232006-12-20T16:02:00.000-05:002006-12-20T16:02:00.000-05:00Why do you need a flag to show passion?!? That's m...Why do you need a flag to show passion?!? That's my point. It's not PC, it's progressive.Goonerboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10489244017423718503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-54797033341908441432006-12-20T15:20:00.000-05:002006-12-20T15:20:00.000-05:00Anon....I have to reply in complete disgust at you...Anon....I have to reply in complete disgust at your misinformed comments. I appreciate your point of view but what is your opinion based on?... Have you ever been to Israel?...<br />Your blase remarks about killing women and children and torture show a seriously simplistic view especially when not put into any kind of context.<br />So if this all bothers you so much, and if you're happy to see us win nothing whilst accepting "blood money" (do you know what that means?!!).....<br />What have you done to help the victims?..apart from come on here and spout a load of ignorant crap which has nothing to do with either the article or The Arsenal?..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-33564316641490733562006-12-20T13:57:00.000-05:002006-12-20T13:57:00.000-05:00It's hard to believe this is the best solution. It...It's hard to believe this is the best solution. It's certainly the most convenient to the club. No need to think matters over, no need to consult anyone, no lenghty debate with fans' groups, just make a decision and everything's fine. With a bit of luck no ticket revenues will be lost, so no problem as far as they're concerned.<br /><br />Somebody up there must be thinking he can hide by closing his eyes.<br /><br />So I'll ask this of all who think this was the best decision to make: has the real problem been solved?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-13728295020332745662006-12-20T13:28:00.000-05:002006-12-20T13:28:00.000-05:00It is funny how Israel is allowed to defend it's e...It is funny how Israel is allowed to defend it's existence but they have all but destroyed Palestine and the Palestinians.... Are Palestinians allowed to exist? Maybe some posters here have forgotten that an illegal military occupation is still taking place and has been killing and exploiting Palestinians for over 40 years.... Hey but why let facts get into the way of Israeli crimes.... I am as much a gooner as any one out there but I will be more than happy if Arsenal don't win a thing while accepting blood money...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-92131445651921332312006-12-20T12:54:00.000-05:002006-12-20T12:54:00.000-05:00Intresting debate. I've looked at both sides. Se...Intresting debate. I've looked at both sides. Seems like we're heading towards the sanitation of watching live sport. No personality, just grey people of no race or background. Robots almost. See movie Equilibrium. No emotion or things that promote emotion allowed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-18291616929397540722006-12-20T12:48:00.000-05:002006-12-20T12:48:00.000-05:00Yes Rocky, but, unlike Turkey and Greece, Arsenal ...Yes Rocky, but, unlike Turkey and Greece, Arsenal and ManU, Chavs etc. have never actually fought a war. Flags and football shirts aren't comparable.Goonerboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10489244017423718503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-4030137658655137422006-12-20T12:07:00.000-05:002006-12-20T12:07:00.000-05:00It personally offends me when I see a Man U, Chels...It personally offends me when I see a Man U, Chelsea or Spurs shirt in the ground.<br /><br />There is a huge risk of people being offended and a very real risk of tensions leading to violence.<br /><br />Surely we should confiscate those shirts on the way in. Especially as its now about -2C.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-43342124425543590232006-12-20T11:27:00.000-05:002006-12-20T11:27:00.000-05:00Right, I don't want to be one to stifle freedom of...Right, I don't want to be one to stifle freedom of speech, but I really don't think, despite the nature of the article, that this is the forum in which to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.<br /><br />There are several other overtly political websites/forums to go to, if you wish to discuss these matters.Goonerboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10489244017423718503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-5912545702251888182006-12-20T10:23:00.000-05:002006-12-20T10:23:00.000-05:00So it is ok to wear a t-shirt with offensive remar...So it is ok to wear a t-shirt with offensive remark then? Maybe those offensive supporters should print the flag on a cap and the other offended supporters to get the club to ban caps.<br /><br />Question is, you can never draw a line on this. So why do it in the forst place?<br /><br />As for the question why the need to bring flags into the stadium, why not? The club have always pride itself in the diversity of its supporters and players. Banning flags just make the club look backward and uncompromising.<br /><br />The image has already been battered. Politically correctness has been going on for far too long in the UK. It is time to stop.<br /><br />Gunner6gunner6https://www.blogger.com/profile/11260641443745079531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-49233201439664981622006-12-20T10:13:00.000-05:002006-12-20T10:13:00.000-05:00not sure i agree re: israeli atrocities whe u cons...not sure i agree re: israeli atrocities whe u consider that israel is fighting to keep existing!<br /><br />but moving back to the whole flag debate - personally i am astounded that the arsenal have done this - whats next - england hats / caps?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-13964309694794620732006-12-20T10:11:00.000-05:002006-12-20T10:11:00.000-05:00I agree with Gazzap that the main problem I have w...I agree with Gazzap that the main problem I have with the ban was the authoritarian way that the club took the decision. No consultation, just a little press release and it's all gone and decided. The fans should have been consulted. We're the ones who sit in the stadium, and I'm sure with a little dialogue the issue could have been more dealt with in a matter more preferable to everyone.<br /><br />I know it means a lot to people to show how far they've come to support Arsenal - I did sympathise with the French guys who wern't allowed to take in their banner - but can't you just make a banner with where you're from on it and then the club badge on top? Why the need for the national stripes? <br /><br />I just think there's an arena for national flags and that's international football. I would hope the players are spurred on by pride for Arsenal without needing a reminder of where they were born.Goonerboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10489244017423718503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-50834447518228053312006-12-20T10:02:00.000-05:002006-12-20T10:02:00.000-05:00Agree with the first commentator: the flag ban doe...Agree with the first commentator: the flag ban does not square up with the club's acceptance of money from the Israeli tourism board. Personally I find the Israeli sponsorship deal intolerable given that governments atrocities this summer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-66603379174215168552006-12-20T09:58:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:58:00.000-05:00Agree with Bah Humbug (you didn't have a name....)...Agree with Bah Humbug (you didn't have a name....) and Gazzap. Supporters from all over the world bring flags to show where they are from and pride themselves on the fact that they are finally at the Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal for real. Not many supporters have this priviledge. many season ticket holders and local supporters who get to watch matches from time to time doesn't realise what an honour it is to be there even if it is a Carling Cup match. So we bring our flags showing how international the ckub is.<br /><br />I am sure everyone is offended one way or another with some country. But to ban the flag when the sport should be uniting everyone is hypocritical. Why stop at Arsenal? Let's spread to all clubs, Premiership or Conference league, to adopt this policy.<br /><br />Gunner6gunner6https://www.blogger.com/profile/11260641443745079531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-76602982151891531742006-12-20T09:49:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:49:00.000-05:00More disagreement than agreement with you for once...More disagreement than agreement with you for once GB. Nothing pisses me off more than to see the old apartheid South African flag being waved at Twickenham (That's the place where they play with that funny shaped ball btw).<br /><br />But to ban it? I don't like it but as long as I know that the flag waver is a moron, should it upset me that much? <br /><br />Where does the thin end of the wedge start and stop? <br />No singing.No swearing. No standing. No bloody football just now..."people get so competitive and beastly at football. We, the p.c.'s who know what is good for the people really must have it banned." Bah, humbug.<br />Gooner for 59 years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-25595001620891122022006-12-20T09:47:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:47:00.000-05:00the club have to protect themselves. There have b...the club have to protect themselves. There have been reported death threats between these Greek/Turk factions over these flags. If the club took no action, and serious or death resulted, the club would probably face serious liability for not taking action to prevent a foreseeable escalation.<br /><br />Besides, as someone said, Sod the countries, support the team!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-81955931450345222172006-12-20T09:42:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:42:00.000-05:00Flags separate us, we are all arsenal we are all t...Flags separate us, we are all arsenal we are all there for one purpose to support one team, it is a shame people have exploited the flag bearing to show there personal beliefs, lets stick to the football.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-42442236667663614002006-12-20T09:41:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:41:00.000-05:00I know where you are coming from i.e. support the ...I know where you are coming from i.e. support the club without the need for national flags since this is Arsenal football club and not a country.<br /><br />Thing is, what is stopping other people from complaining about other things that are just as offensive to them e.g. wearing a t-shirt depicting anti christ?<br /><br />Once you cross that line, there is no turning back without being a laughing stock of the sport.<br /><br />In a country where speaker's corner was created, it just doesn't make sense to ban a flag.<br /><br />Gunner6gunner6https://www.blogger.com/profile/11260641443745079531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-21994667041005222392006-12-20T09:31:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:31:00.000-05:00Gunner6: I think we both want the same thing, but ...Gunner6: I think we both want the same thing, but we're coming at it from different angles.Goonerboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10489244017423718503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-32524036168234306292006-12-20T09:16:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:16:00.000-05:00You have got this the wrong way round I am afraid....You have got this the wrong way round I am afraid. The club has let a minority dictate what the majorities can do. And that is unacceptable.<br /><br />Flags are flags. Support the club yes. But it makes a player filled with pride to see their national flag being flown on the stands.<br /><br />There are plenty of rivalries and historical conflicts associated with every flag. When you let these things divide the fans and not try to reconcile the present, then what good is it to talk about peace?<br /><br />Gunner6gunner6https://www.blogger.com/profile/11260641443745079531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-1055757542480804912006-12-20T09:07:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:07:00.000-05:00Arsenal aren't paid to advertise greek cypriot nat...Arsenal aren't paid to advertise greek cypriot nationalism nor palestine nor anything else to do with national flags, they are paid to advertise things on their pitchside boards and one of those things happens to be israeli tourism. So to compare people brining flags into the ground and arsenal being PAID to advertise something is ridiculous. It's not as though arsenal are positioning themselves politically here it's a money game.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-12454731167065980892006-12-20T09:06:00.000-05:002006-12-20T09:06:00.000-05:00Sod the nations - support the club.
(ps. "1961, OH...Sod the nations - support the club.<br />(ps. "1961, OH DEAR!")Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22806182.post-87702975831414299572006-12-20T08:55:00.000-05:002006-12-20T08:55:00.000-05:00So repeatedly banging on about Israel transcends ...So repeatedly banging on about Israel transcends national boundaries does it? It smacks of hypocrisy when the irritating advertising hoardings constantly show those advertisements. Another point is that how would any of our foreign players feel when they see the flag of their nation? It must really gee them up, I've seen brazillian, swiss, french (of course!) and even ivory coast flags at the arsenal ground.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com