Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition


There'll be back
By Boris Mellor
June 3 2009

I can understand, without apportioning blame, why Arsenal can no longer attract first rate opposition to the Emirates Cup. Nor would I want to be sniffy about PSG or Atletico Madrid, for in recent times Arsenal cannot claim any superiority over them. Indeed Arsenal might find itself playing At Madrid to qualify for the Champions League.

Having been spoilt on seeing some of Europe's greatest teams I can still understand why some may want to go and see these fine journeyman of the European game. Personally I am not interested, and I am glad I have booked my holidays to start that day. Indeed the further away I am from the Highbury area the better I will feel.

What are the management thinking of?

The reason isn't the French or Spanish teams but the one that hails from Scotland. This is a team that used to play friendlies at the old Highbury on a regular basis until the late 1960s, and as far as I can remember they have not been back since.

Now memory is a tricky thing, but I thought they were effectively banned by no longer issuing the seasonal invite.

Spud U Like?

Why were they banned? Or at least no longer made welcome? The reason was the increasing violence by a minority of their fans. Yes I had met more people who were bought a drink by a Gers fan than I saw Arsenal fans being stretchered off the North Bank after being struck by a bottle, or hit by a potato with a razor blade hidden in it.

There were stories of the Police confiscating swords and bayonets. The local streets were littered with broken glass. Many Arsenal fans swore they would never attend a game against the Gers again. They didn't have to boycott as the fixture didn't happen again.

Now desperate to fill the Emirates for a meaningless competition our board has invited them back. I believe that is a big mistake, I just hope that I am proved wrong. It is also an insult to those who were injured, but then cash is far more important than fans feelings or security.

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Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: Arsenal Times (IP Logged)
Date: 03/06/2009 21:04

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:06:17:19:26:19 by Padre Pio.

Re: Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: Gooner_Mike (IP Logged)
Date: 03/06/2009 21:12

Personally I like Rangers but there fans can be a real nuiscance, many of them will probably make it a weekend trip down to london for that match, and will most probably smash a few bottles about the place but I dont think the fans are as bad these days as they used to be and im not sure about this but arent the seats across the emirates just going to be a mix of all the supporters of the 4 clubs, and other random tourist just wanting to watch a bit of footy, there wont be any clear sections for fans is that right? if thats the case i dont think it will be half bad, if anything it will improve the atmosphere they are a lively bunch and only really cause chaos when they are in large groups.

Re: Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: Gunners R Us (IP Logged)
Date: 03/06/2009 23:47

did they not smash up manchester?

Re: Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: PKGooner (IP Logged)
Date: 04/06/2009 05:56

Should be a lively few days.

Different from the normal dross.

Re: Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 04/06/2009 08:21

Yes they had a big riot in Manchester

Re: Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: Merlion96 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/06/2009 13:09

I dread to think what a lovely satrt of our season:
Ranger fans thrash EMriates
Ranger fans thrash the neighbourhood.

Re: Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: PKGooner (IP Logged)
Date: 04/06/2009 16:43

We'll be fine.

Re: Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: H.C (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2009 13:36

They came to Highbury, about 20,000 of 'em, for a testimonial (Nutty's?) in the late 90's. It was carnage in the streets beforehand to the extent that the Police were moved to get out the teargas.
Not a happy memory

Re: Spud U Like At Fourth Rate Competition
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2009 18:53

What the hell are the board doing inviting them back?

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