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.
Chippy wrote:For me this is the saddest thing, gooner on gooner. Shame on you Arsene.
Exactly. For all anybody complains about 'AKBs' or the 'WOB' I deep down can't believe that any Gooner enjoys the fact that we now have a clearly and deeply divided fanbase.
I'm not certain it is tbh. Those who have the strongest views (for either side of a debate) tend to shout the loudest I think. The biggest majority say very little. Look at the various forums, the number regular posters and contributors to this particular debate struggle to total 3 figures and most state their own view as fact which, of course, directly oposes the other side who also believe they state facts. 'tis the way of the present day world and keyboard warriorship imo.
Regarding the banners, while I personally disagree with the sentiment on either one displayed I have no problem with them being shown in as much as any can have an opinion and voice it and respect those who show them for standing by their convictions.
The apparent violent reaction involving a young holder of one is abhorrent although one doesn't know the specifics in what actually went down - it can not be right that gooners are hitting each other whilst supporting the team - can it?
I'm not saying that there are two hordes of militia, one of which to whom every Gooner must belong. But there are clearly two camps, both with significant numbers (yes this forum gives a misrepresentation as to public opinion amongst Gooners but look at fans' reactions at games recently, this isn't one man and his dog) and completely opposing views, and anybody trying to express a view that Wenger's time is up is inevitably challenged to some degree. It's actually incredibly difficult to hold a conversation with a fellow Gooner who has a different opinion on whether Wenger should stay then you do, whichever side of the fence you're on.
Two Hordes of Militia - hehe .
Yep definately agree re the difficulty in having that conversation but nonetheless it is possible. It's a case, in the first instance, of acknowledging that the other has a valid right to hold their particular view... that, I believe, is where that difficulty comes from. As has been regularly demonstrated hereabouts, it is challenging to suggest something that goes against the current flow of this forum as, indeed, it is on other forum where opinions can be so polarised one way or the other.
augie wrote:Again I will say that I have been disgusted with the singing of "1 wenger" for a long time
I need you in good voice for my Summer contract extension party mate.....and that is the very song I expect to hear sung loud and proud
I started singing it for a laugh yesterday when we went 1-0 up against Wigan and my 12 year old lad looked at me in disgust
Honestly, young SteveO is more cynical than me (hard to believe). When it went 1-0 he said "yeah, and now he's going to take off the Ox and Podolski and put on Ramsey and Gervinho".
After the game he said "we really need to buy some new players Dad". When I told him in a mock French accent that we had a very big squad and that the answer wasn't always to buy, he told me it wasn't funny any more.
I've got him more wound up about Wenger's potential contract extension than Rodders !
Firstly, what type of kúnt hits a kid? For having a different opinion? Wankhead.
Secondly, my advice to anyone pissed off about this is don't post too much on here, if it gets silly at a future game you could line yourself up for trouble with regard to intent. Also we will have to delete any threats etc.
Armchair - fair play to you and the others for taking this stand - all true Gooners.
Chippy wrote:For me this is the saddest thing, gooner on gooner. Shame on you Arsene.
Exactly. For all anybody complains about 'AKBs' or the 'WOB' I deep down can't believe that any Gooner enjoys the fact that we now have a clearly and deeply divided fanbase.
I'm not certain it is tbh. Those who have the strongest views (for either side of a debate) tend to shout the loudest I think. The biggest majority say very little. Look at the various forums, the number regular posters and contributors to this particular debate struggle to total 3 figures and most state their own view as fact which, of course, directly oposes the other side who also believe they state facts. 'tis the way of the present day world and keyboard warriorship imo.
Regarding the banners, while I personally disagree with the sentiment on either one displayed I have no problem with them being shown in as much as any can have an opinion and voice it and respect those who show them for standing by their convictions.
The apparent violent reaction involving a young holder of one is abhorrent although one doesn't know the specifics in what actually went down - it can not be right that gooners are hitting each other whilst supporting the team - can it?
I'm not saying that there are two hordes of militia, one of which to whom every Gooner must belong. But there are clearly two camps, both with significant numbers (yes this forum gives a misrepresentation as to public opinion amongst Gooners but look at fans' reactions at games recently, this isn't one man and his dog) and completely opposing views, and anybody trying to express a view that Wenger's time is up is inevitably challenged to some degree. It's actually incredibly difficult to hold a conversation with a fellow Gooner who has a different opinion on whether Wenger should stay then you do, whichever side of the fence you're on.
Two Hordes of Militia - hehe .
Yep definately agree re the difficulty in having that conversation but nonetheless it is possible. It's a case, in the first instance, of acknowledging that the other has a valid right to hold their particular view... that, I believe, is where that difficulty comes from. As has been regularly demonstrated hereabouts, it is challenging to suggest something that goes against the current flow of this forum as, indeed, it is on other forum where opinions can be so polarised one way or the other.
Of course, and that's because people want to talk with those of broadly like-minded views. It shouldn't be difficult to have a conversation with other Gooners just because of their opinion on one issue unless they're a particular tool, but it is. Fact is it permeates every discussion about The Arsenal. If you think Wenger is good then you're going to get very excited and optimistic at more things (such as finishing 4th, temporary spells of form, 'the future') than if you want him gone (where people are often loath to find joy in anything). It's a divisive issue, it's extremely difficult to reconcile the two views at all, hence how one-sided this forum is, as are pro-Wenger ones.
Maybe its time for those who want him gone to get there heads together and arrange a demonstration at the bowl
maybe a march from the old girl to the bowl like the bsm walk and a demonstration outside the main entrance
so steve i you if you dont agree with the sentiment of the banners, u thus must think 4th place is a trophy? christ ambitious bunch we are now.
well played armchair. tbf if u looked as 'special' as that bloke in the grey beeny hat u would probably have a chip on your soldier and not be averse to getting your face messed up in a dust up, so its no surprise he tried to intimidate u.
as for the cretin who punched the teen, why run off after if ur such a big man?????
We must defend democracy in the Gooner Nation, we all have a right to free speech & viewpoints without either side getting aggressive or violent against fellow supporters
Anyone hitting a fellow Arsenal fan over a bloody banner, is bang out of order
northbank123 wrote:
Of course, and that's because people want to talk with those of broadly like-minded views. It shouldn't be difficult to have a conversation with other Gooners just because of their opinion on one issue unless they're a particular tool, but it is. Fact is it permeates every discussion about The Arsenal. If you think Wenger is good then you're going to get very excited and optimistic at more things (such as finishing 4th, temporary spells of form, 'the future') than if you want him gone (where people are often loath to find joy in anything). It's a divisive issue, it's extremely difficult to reconcile the two views at all, hence how one-sided this forum is, as are pro-Wenger ones.
Wise words indeed I think apart from the thinking Wenger is good = being happy with finishing 4th bit. I am loathe to take that argument further purely because I did and then found out one can only embed 5 quotes within each other and I managed to lose what I'd typed and can't be arsed at this point in time to type them again also, any points I make will be dismissed as already useless arguments for my side of the debate
northbank123 wrote:
Of course, and that's because people want to talk with those of broadly like-minded views. It shouldn't be difficult to have a conversation with other Gooners just because of their opinion on one issue unless they're a particular tool, but it is. Fact is it permeates every discussion about The Arsenal. If you think Wenger is good then you're going to get very excited and optimistic at more things (such as finishing 4th, temporary spells of form, 'the future') than if you want him gone (where people are often loath to find joy in anything). It's a divisive issue, it's extremely difficult to reconcile the two views at all, hence how one-sided this forum is, as are pro-Wenger ones.
Wise words indeed I think apart from the thinking Wenger is good = being happy with finishing 4th bit. I am loathe to take that argument further purely because I did and then found out one can only embed 5 quotes within each other and I managed to lose what I'd typed and can't be arsed at this point in time to type them again also, any points I make will be dismissed as already useless arguments for my side of the debate
Thing is Wenger thinks that finishing 4th is successful. For me there's no argument with that: when criticised this season he pointed to scraping 3rd and 4th miles off the league leaders in past seasons as evidence of his success and vindication of any criticism. Surely you can't deny that, given his insistence we can't compete with City and Chelsea (and by connection United seeing as they generally finish amongst or above those), 4th is the best he thinks we can really hope for unless one of them has a stinker. How can you say he's not happy with that? He thinks it's a 100% vindication of any criticism of him or the club.
When the banner is rolled out again, because we all know it will,the fella who lumped the nipper, will he again be looking to chin someone if they are holding the banner? thats what I want to know????
there might be bigger "boys" holding it next time.. mmm, interesting.....
also, any points I make will be dismissed as already useless arguments for my side of the debate 
