As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
What is actually stopping him playing though?, he's a pussy, that is what.
Sell the useless overpaid waste of space in the summer.
Exactly, the Azerbaijan govt have guaranteed his safety. Same message from their London Embassy.
Arsenal fans are taking more of a risk by going, than Mikhi ever is with the security he will receive. Remember this is a country that borders both Armenia and Iran. It isn't that far from lawless Syria,
Says a lot about the player tbh.
There is no doubt that he is a pussy when he is on the pitch, but I have to say that I back him 100% on this - you have to remember that this isn't just about a game, cos it involves bigger issues which is why they have refused to let Armenians in up to this point. I am stunned that you are proclaiming their assurances of his safety as a reason why he should go - did you expect them to say anything different ? Why did they not guarantee his safety earlier in the tournament when he missed the game against their club team ? Reality is that they know if they admitted now that they cant guarantee his safety, this final would probably be pulled from them and they would never get a major sporting event again. Odds are that UEFA know that they would be under serious pressure to pull the game, so they persuaded their government to issue some lame ass public promise which would give them both a defence for the game going ahead there
I seen online where a fellow Gooner said something along the lines of he would have more respect for his club if they refused to play the game there, than he would if they played the game and won it - kinda agree with that tbh
Completely disagree, as I said before as fans we are taking a bigger risk than Mikhi is. He will be afforded security on a different level to what the fans going to Baku will receive. The fans are a much softer target in and around Baku, there is an advisory about this on the foreign office website. Our safety is on no way guaranteed.
How much security would he need if any army guy targeted him ? A soldier could shoot him from a distance and the popemobile wouldn't protect him ? There would be a target on his back from the moment he steps out of the plane, and it also shouldn't be ignored that any other player in close proximity to him would be at risk too. I wouldn't trust how much interest/effort their army would put into protecting him either
He would probably be surrounded by armed military personnel. The Arsenal coach would be escorted in a convoy to and from the ground as many dignitaries are when they visit foreign countries (watch trump when he comes to London). If someone is stupid enough to step out of line, it's the whole country that would lose out not just from future events eg F1 but the economy overall would suffer.
Sorry, I just don't buy it. As I have said many times, the fans are the ones at risk. Whatever happened to that old thing called siege mentality.
Im wondering hos this long break will effect the teams and the outcome. Still another 8 days away. Its almost a three week break in between time since the last day of the season. I was thinking it was this weekend given how long the wait has been. Both teams might forget the rules, the stone age lasted longer than this.
A big moment for Dick if he puts old helmet head in the starting eleven. A win and it doesn't matter but a loss involving the almost inevitable howler by the helmet and Dick is under huge pressure for next season before he spends a penny of his pocket money..... er sorry, I mean war chest.
I think Mhiki owes us a debt given that we pay the useless twat about £180k per week. He should travel and put the Azerbanjos safe passage guarantee to the test.
If nothing happens then this was all a storm in a teacup.
If some nutter offs him, think of the upside.....immediate national hero and martyr status in Armenia.....he's bound to be insured £££....and future finals will be back in Europe...a win win situation
Second thoughts, get Miki in goal wearing the gimp helmet so he's in disguise, and Cech in midfield with a Miki #77 shirt so he gets taken out by a sniper - Chavsxum twat
Should the players be standing up and saying something about it then ? Players like bellend are happy to stand up and post shit about some abortion law in alabama, but yet none are saying anything about this As a fan I would want the players to stand together on this and at least be seen to be talking about refusing to play the game, even if it is all a bluff
I'd agree with that Augie and looking through the players social media accounts since yesterday they seem to give zero fucks about it and are all laughing and joking around gearing up for the final without a single mention of their team mate who can't go.
Surprised Auba has said nothing as they've been good friends for years, in fact he has just posted a picture of himself in his jersey with the Europa league final logo printed on it without a care in the world. Strange.
Should the players be standing up and saying something about it then ? Players like bellend are happy to stand up and post shit about some abortion law in alabama, but yet none are saying anything about this As a fan I would want the players to stand together on this and at least be seen to be talking about refusing to play the game, even if it is all a bluff
I'd agree with that Augie and looking through the players social media accounts since yesterday they seem to give zero fucks about it and are all laughing and joking around gearing up for the final without a single mention of their team mate who can't go.
Surprised Auba has said nothing as they've been good friends for years, in fact he has just posted a picture of himself in his jersey with the Europa league final logo printed on it without a care in the world. Strange.
Agree with this, but it's the Club that should be screaming the loudest. I haven't followed this too closely, so might be wrong, but the Club don't seem to have made any waves at all. Unable to take a player, because UEFA have chosen a shit hole location for a final, without a moments consideration for the supporters (always), the players, or participating clubs in general.
It's way beyond a disgrace that a venue where there are very genuine safety issues, was chosen. That the Arsenal aren't up in arms, only hints at the tentacles of corruption reaching from Baku, to UEFA and on to the clubs in the final....why else is there a silence ?
As for playing Cech, I'm sure that Dick will do so, but it will be a serious mistake, unless we win. Even if Cech is, as I suspect, absolutely honest and gives us 110%, any goals conceded will inevitably lead to questions of whether he could have "done better". Should he concede a howler (very possible ), then the fans will fucking erupt amid claims that he threw the game.
Dick will have to carry the can for picking him and at a time when he needs all the support he can get, it will be a fucking ridiculous decision.
The Armenian captain and their footballer of the year for eight years decides it might be better for his safety and maybe? less disruptive for our team if he is a no show for six days in a country where everybody from the Concierge to the armed guards protecting him hate his guts
The players applauded his reasons and decision and are hopefully mature enough and proffesional enough to show a siege menality without Mika by their side
Yep our supporters are at more risk than the usual away game, but I would imagine that 99% of the people we meet will be happy to see us
There is minimal risk to our non-Armenian supporters ffs - beyond the type of petty crime (pickpocketing or maybe mugging) that you might be unlucky enough to encounter in any country.
I find when you visit a foreign country if you don't act like a cùnt you won't get treated like a cùnt.
Act respectfully. Be friendly. Be polite. Spend some money. Talk to the locals. You'll be pleasantly surprised how well you get treated in return.
There is minimal risk to our non-Armenian supporters ffs - beyond the type of petty crime (pickpocketing or maybe mugging) that you might be unlucky enough to encounter in any country.
I find when you visit a foreign country if you don't act like a cùnt you won't get treated like a cùnt.
Act respectfully. Be friendly. Be polite. Spend some money. Talk to the locals. You'll be pleasantly surprised how well you get treated in return.
Exactly how long did it take you to work that out DB ??
There is minimal risk to our non-Armenian supporters ffs - beyond the type of petty crime (pickpocketing or maybe mugging) that you might be unlucky enough to encounter in any country.
I find when you visit a foreign country if you don't act like a cùnt you won't get treated like a cùnt.
Act respectfully. Be friendly. Be polite. Spend some money. Talk to the locals. You'll be pleasantly surprised how well you get treated in return.
Exactly how long did it take you to work that out DB ??
A great PR opportunity for the club in questioning UEFA for holding the final in Baku, and positive PR for Mhki. Emery and Koscielny speaking in support of Mhki showing a bit squad togetherness. I totally get why he's made the decision, but didn't he travel there to play against qarabag?
Cech should be benched and I think he will be judging by the photos of the players training. Leno in full diving mode in full size goal. whilst cech was picture barely getting off the ground in front of an u-10's mini goal. Tenuous but still thought the pictures spoke volumes.
), then the fans will fucking erupt amid claims that he threw the game. 
