Arsenal Fan or Arsenal Foe?

Recent comments written in many Arsenal blogs, all of them claiming the moral high ground as to who is, or is not, a good fan, has made me think; just what or who is an Arsenal fan, and who makes the best or worse fans and how do you decide which is which?

First we need to find a definition that gives a basis for establishing what a footie fan is.

There are many variations on a theme available to us; the (noun) fan derives from the word “fanatic” that means a person with an irrational enthusiasm for a cause; or an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm for a cause. My own preference is for good old Winston Churchill’s definition, “someone who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject”. (Just read the blogs).

These are all O.K. and give a flavour of the beast, but what we need is something that reflects the above but encompasses a more sanguine definition which is readily recognisable by us Gooners.

So, here goes – An Arsenal Fan is; an enthusiastic, passionate and true devotee of the Gunners, and ALL that means.

So what do we mean by “an enthusiastic, passionate and true devotee”?

Well, can I suggest it is?

Someone who, from day one, probably since childhood, has yelled his/her lungs out in support of our team? Either in the stadium or in front of the TV.

Someone who cheers and yells encouragement to our team and our manager, not just during the Glory Years, but most importantly, also in the difficult, lean times.

Someone who would never willingly miss an Arsenal game?

Someone who could never bet against our team?

For example; there are fans in the UK and all around the world that save up their hard earned cash and even plan their holidays, for the chance to watch their beloved Gooners play the most delicious football and to yell their heads off! They would undoubtedly meet the above criteria!

Gooners can generally be recognised by their Red and White scarves, and the watering holes they frequent, both before and after games. They have the largest number of internet blog sites of any club in the UK, and converse with each other interminably, day and night, recounting the past, present and future prospects of the love of their lives, Arsenal.

The passionate Gooner fan exults in the success of the team, but will drop into a deep trough of misery when they lose. Family and friends know with just one glance at a Gooner, whether, or not, the team has just won or lost. Win and they are radiant, bubbling with enthusiasm and the life and soul of any family gathering or party.

If Arsenal have lost; beware! Do not take lightly the all encompassing gloom that follows defeat. Relationships can be shattered by the wrong look, the wrong word and especially any mistimed or misplaced humour, however obsequious.

For many, the passionate, unquestioning loyalty we afford our team is increased during the leaner periods. It is almost as if we recognise the need for solidarity during those times, while awaiting the success and glory that will surely follow for this fabulous and historic Club.

For others, unfortunately, the converse is true. Unless their team is constantly winning, an unrealistic and naive aspiration, they become despondent, inward looking and vent their spleen in unreasoning, sometimes hateful diatribes against other Arsenal fans, the Club, individual players and especially the unfortunate manager.

They appear to find no solace in the past achievements of the club or the manager; they cannot see any further than a dreadful and unsuccessful season; they become divisive and spiteful and, to the objective eye of any neutral, would seem to be the antithesis of the definition of a fan as outlined above.

Of course, it is human nature to question, worry and fret when things are not going well. It is quite normal to try and rationalise any perceived problems with our Club, our team and our manager. Many will want, perhaps, to put their own well meaning realistic interpretation on events, however misconceived that realism may eventually prove to be. All this is acceptable and only to be expected!

What is not acceptable is the dreadfully nihilistic attitude and crude comments put forward, in the vilest language, by a small minority, who I suggest are not true fans at all, because they bring nothing of value to the wonderful fan base who are enthusiastic, passionate and true devotees of the mighty Arsenal!

Written by Red Arse