If You’re Going To Break The Rules, Be Smart Gooners

If You’re Going To Break The Rules, Be Smart Gooners

There is footage circulating online of an apparent Arsenal fan being caught at the London Stadium sitting in the home end.

The only issue being some West Ham supporters thought the best way to deal with the situation was to throw the man down the stairs.

It’s led to a debate on social media about who is in the wrong. The person who thought it would be a good idea to stand among thousands of Hammers fans and celebrate Trossard’s goal, in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at the stadium, or the individuals who thought physicality was the appropriate response?

Both can be true.

I have attended the Emirates, where it’s not unusual for those sat around me to be fans of the opposition.

Never have I felt the urge to attack them, but then I’m educated. Some of my peers have pointed this out to stewards, which, while I feel is spiteful, would be the correct protocol if you’re really that offended.

Wouldn’t it be great if we lived in a society where grown adults didn’t feel the need to hurt one another over something as trivial as football?

Unfortunately, that’s not the case, and this gentleman would have been aware of that when he purchased a seat among Iron supporters. He has a responsibility at that point to read the room.

I know several Gooners who adopt this policy.

Arsenal fans must keep themselves safe

There are limited tickets to follow the Gunners away, so the logical solution is to sit in the home end.

If, though, you’re going to cheat the system, you will be breaching potential stadium rules, just be smart.

If you are surrounded by thousands of people worried about relegation, common sense tells you they don’t want a fan of their rivals in front of them. Let me stress it doesn’t give them the right to touch you, but don’t put yourself and others in danger.