Atmosphere? No chance.

30/10/2013

Many will know that at the BSM we're passionate about getting a better deal for fans, and that part of this is to get an enjoyable matchday experience for those going to matches, supporting the team. One of our initiatives is 'Bring Back The Clock End' - a move to get season tickets in that area of the stadium, providing a place for like-minded fans who want to make a noise and get loud, vocal support going.

With season tickets not valid for League Cup games, it gave us a good chance of trying to do something similar, i.e. get a good number of like-minded supporters together in the ground. We therefore invited BSM members to get involved, and asked that they buy tickets in blocks 19, 18 and 17 - close to the away fans and not shoved as far away as possible, as the club did with the REDsection.

The idea was greeted with real enthusiasm from our members, and it was great to hear that a good few hundred had managed to buy tickets in this area of the ground. It was all set up to be an enjoyable night and on the concourse before the game, the songs started. The mood was positive and upbeat, and I was looking forward to taking my place in the ground.

Walking into block 19 a few minutes before kick off, our fans in that area of the ground were already in good voice. Volume was increasing and the atmosphere was building nicely. Of course with 9,000 away fans to our left we were up against it and it would take a decent effort to make a dent. But for the first 10 or 15 minutes we held our own and had some good exchanges back and forth across the divide. I saw some good stuff from fans on Twitter talking about block 19 buzzing, and some Chelsea fans have told me today that it was vocal back and forth at the start. But then, it began.

All of a sudden there was a constant stream of stewards up and down the aisle, telling people to sit down, checking tickets and generally causing a nuisance. This carried on all night but from that moment on, all that happened was arguing between fans and stewards over standing, noise, singing at the Chelsea fans, whether they had the right ticket - it was real disruptive tactics and in my opinion this was orchestrated by the stadium management. One female steward patrolled up and down the aisle with a notebook, furiously scribbling notes and ordering other stewards around.

Soon after this, Chelsea were gifted a goal and that invited their fans to start the provocation of our supporters. Standing on seats hurling abuse, acting brave and offering fights to anyone who'd give them some abuse back. When they scored, some Chelsea fans tried to light a blue flare but never managed to get it going. No action from police or stewards, which is puzzling when you think a fan of ours who did that at Stamford Bridge in 2010 received a £385 fine and was banned from football grounds for 3 years.

Don't get me wrong I am up for wind-ups and banter between opposing supporters. It's part of football and has been so for decades. But last night it was a one-sided affair with Chelsea fans allowed to get up to all sorts, while stewards and police caused endless trouble for our supporters with threats of arrest for anyone who "engaged with Chelsea supporters" (that's an actual quote from a policeman last night). One steward then said to the bloke next to me "Sorry, we're under orders tonight". That told us all we needed to know.

At half time I saw two people pulled aside on the concourse by police and get questioned. Apparently this was for being abusive to stewards, though I was informed no such abuse was given. Arguing a point yes, but no actual abuse.

On going back to our seats after half time, stewards then saw it fit to check the ticket of every fan trying to get back in. I've never seen this happen at any home game of ours in all the time I've been going - some 30-odd years. Naturally this caused a huge bottleneck of fans trying to get back to their seats, and many of us missed the start of the second half.

The rest of the game was just more of the same. Hassle from stewards and bugger all happening on the Chelsea side. Over came a bottle from their fans, our supporters reacted angrily and in came the police and stewards to threaten our supporters. Any stewards or police their side plucking out the person who threw it? Of course not. Truly laughable.

Overall, I have to give a big thanks to those BSM members who came along last night with the intention of getting behind the team, creating some noise and having a good time at football. I'm just sorry that an obvious ploy from our stadium management ensured that fans spent most of their time arguing with stewards and police, being threatened with arrest for the most ridiculous reasons, and some even being followed and told off by police after leaving the ground.

Every now and then we hear noises from Arsene Wenger and the players about the need for a positive atmosphere at home games. It's therefore disappointing that the club do all they can to stifle any attempts to generate loud vocal support. Last night it wasn't even a case of pissing into the wind, it was more like pissing into that St Jude storm while being battered with a water cannon of piss at the same time.

Needless to say, we'll be taking these events up with the club and we will continue to fight to get a positive atmosphere back in our stadium. The club may want a big group of people who sit there in silence, tapping away on their iPad or knitting (yes, that has been spotted), taking pictures and clapping every now and then. To us, that's not football. It's not the way football has ever been, or ever should be.

We continue, onward. A better deal for fans, that's what we strive for. It's our club, it's our game, and we won't give up easily. Football without the fans is nothing.

Up The Gunners

'Highbury Harold'

wils

30/10/2013 04:55:14 am

Disgraceful behaviour from the club and dibble. Don't mind taking our hard earned though.
We should also do what sunderland did and shove the away fans up in the clouds.

goonermichael

30/10/2013 04:55:32 am

I was the other side of the chavs. Right next to them. they were allowed to be as aggressive as they wanted and stood the whole time. Horrible experience.

Anomynous

30/10/2013 04:59:03 am

I was there trying to get behind the team, trying to get songs going, but it just wasn't happening.

Told bloke in front and behind me to join in and get singing, to which I was told 'I dont do singing' and the was also given the dirtyest of looks when asked bloke in front to sing instead of takin pictures every minute (not even an exageration) he lowered the camera thinking I couldn't see him still clicking away), and his mate videoed Chelsea celebrating their second goal.

I don't care what people want to do, but a click of a camera every minute will not create a atmosphere!!!

Take pictures, video songs, but do not stand there clicking away for 90 minutes, and deffo DO NOT video the opposition celebrating!!!

Adam

30/10/2013 07:38:48 am

To be fair if people don't want to sing that's up to them. They shouldn't be harassed by other supporters over it. The article was about the attitude of the stewards.

Anomynous

30/10/2013 09:06:48 am

No one was harassed, all I asked was a few fans around me to try and help create an atmosphere!!!

Jk old skool gooner

30/10/2013 12:51:44 pm

Mate your flogging a dead horse trying to get these people to sing. Most of them dont have passion for the club, its not in there blood

Lorraine

30/10/2013 05:16:58 am

This makes me so angry I wasn't there but knew of your efforts don't give up guys

Had enough

30/10/2013 05:29:34 am

I could be banned from attending the ground I await the police letter, my crime was to stand on a chair and reveal my AMF tshirt and point to the Berkshire nazis and tell them they are partly to blame for the state of football. This is not the full story 1 hour after the game and I have a dozen people who witnessed this, a police van with 8 or so coppers stopped outside a pub and two officers approached me and asked for my full name and address, I asked why and the reply was you had an offensive tshirt and was provoking the Chelsea fans and we have reports of a broken chair, this is all bollox and more like I offended the stadium manager but please can you remind me what country I live in. I went yesterday to cheer my team on and all I got was show me your ticket sit down move in behave yourself. Very sad day for a big arsenal family that have followed since early 70s

brdgunner

30/10/2013 06:06:39 am

This is embarrassing. Its rediculous from the club. I hope you get the result you deserve.

Jules

30/10/2013 11:07:26 am

That's totally out of order - you're the type of fan the club should be working hard to retain

Gaz

30/10/2013 05:40:01 am

What a joke our club has become. The fact is the players and manager want passionate fans yet the club seem hellbent on hassling anyone with any sort of passion for the club and want our seats filled with Johnny Come lately's and tourists. Sorry state of affairs, this is not the club I once knew. I hope BSM can get things changed at the club

Nigel Clark

30/10/2013 06:03:03 am

This is exactly why i don't really bother with the Emirates, nice stadium, sure but shit atmosphere. I was brought up on both the clock end & North bank through the 70's, 80's & 90's and you couldn't beat it.
I went to Brighton & Norwich away last year and enjoyed it hence away days is the only time i get interested.

brdgunner

30/10/2013 06:07:57 am

This is a joke. I don't go to home games either. Always opt for away.

Got to fix this. Good work guys

Gooner6871

30/10/2013 06:25:30 am

Last night was the worst behaviour I have ever seen from our stewards and the police with them. It was like they had been given a task of causing as much trouble as possible and disrupt any attempt to support our boys.

Shame on you John Beattie and whoever you report to. You have absolutely ruined the experience for proper Arsenal fans and turned our new home into a dull lifeless place.

MASSIVE congratulations to the BSM for standing up for us real fans and trying to make a difference. I hope you all carry on the fight for us and that one day we can make Emirates a fun and loud place for our supporters.

Tom

30/10/2013 06:26:50 am

Good effort to organise this, keep trying. We opted for the NB block 7 near the singing section, it was silent all game (bit odd) had hoped for some good exchanges with the "clock end" but it never got going.

Mr X

30/10/2013 09:20:22 am

That is nonsense. I'm sorry but it is. I was in block 5 and we were singing all match. The North Bank was creating an atmosphere.

SE London

30/10/2013 10:02:59 am

Rubbish, I was in Block 4 and the North Bank was like the old North Bank, full of muppets and silent most of the night.

Michael

31/10/2013 12:33:22 pm

I was in block 19 and I didn't hear block 5 or 6 once. For it to be a red action block aswell it was shocking.

Wils

31/10/2013 04:49:23 pm

I agree. I was in block 6 and the singing went on most of the game. It died off a bit after the second goal but on the whole I thought it wasn't bad.

Wils

31/10/2013 04:51:59 pm

To be fair, from block 6 I couldn't hear anything from block 19!! I think it must be the design of the stadium as I didn't think the chavs were that loud either but when i watched the highlights later, they seemed really loud!

Rbuckner

30/10/2013 06:30:18 am

This is so sad and seems to have been the case since leaving Highbury.

I dont get to many Home games anymore due to financial reasons, but my best memories were sitting in the Clock with the Clock and North Bank chanting back and forth between them!!

As well as the Johnny Jensen "Shoooooooooot!!"

james balchin

30/10/2013 07:15:51 am

i have been loads of times and told to sit down not sing whats the point of me going now id rather sit home and watch them on bt sport and itv> also i bet they didnt act when dortmound fans wrecked part of our ground last week also if i want silence i go to a library

SemakulaGunners

30/10/2013 07:20:56 am

This is a joke, it's clear to me now that this stadium wasn't built for hardcore supporters, the club is so consecutive at home games, It's no wonder most of us look forward to away games more.

Another thing which as come to light last few games is, people saying fans are not singing, I'm located in block 7 and last night, last week (Dortmund) we sang our hearts out, I think the problem is that Asburton Grove wasn't built with acoustics in mind, but rather what posh wealthy people would like for days out.

gooner4365

30/10/2013 07:25:36 am

This is just utterly disgraceful and we all know whose fault it is. I had no idea people weren't allowed to sing songs and have fun which is what you do at football...

Arsenal fans need to grow some balls and stand up to the club and the oppositions fans. I thought this was a brilliant from BSM to get some atmosphere going at the bowl which we desperately need it's just a shame that the club have to ruin all the fun.

North Bank and east stand need to step it up and start singing and supporting the team!

I suggest that BSM and Redaction get together and have a meeting with the club and the stewards over this issue because this is not acceptable! The club and stewards are only harming themselves by doing this, this can only cause a backlash.

I admire BSM and what you do, keep fighting for what you guys believe in!

Back to the drawing board.

Jack

30/10/2013 07:27:46 am

I was fortunate enough to be sitting in block 5 for the Chelsea game, and thought the atmosphere was great. I really do wish it was like that in other parts.

At the Dortmund game, I was upper tier back row and was asked to sit down by a steward. Obviously the wall behind me had complained about me blocking it's view. I would have liked the bloke to have tried to ask the 3000 Germans to sit down. Ridiculous.

Ridiculous.

Rob Mannall

30/10/2013 07:35:36 am

This is the problem when you let tourists and day fans into the stadium. I'm a season ticket holder in block 19. It seems to be happening more and more that people spend the whole game taking photos not getting behind the team and demanding that season ticket holders sit down cos they've paid £30-60 for a day out. I've paid £1100 I'm there every game.

Block6-gooner

30/10/2013 07:38:57 am

Makes me sad to read this. The team needs our support, and it infuriates me that the club tries to stop this. Keep fighting guys. I will rather be thrown out than stop singing my heart out.

Rob Mannall

30/10/2013 07:52:09 am

There have also been games where there have been away fan sitting amongst home fans in full kit cheering on our opponents Shalke, Man Utd. When I queried this with the club, how they had managed to get tickets I was just fobbed off with some press release not answering the question at all. They just want people in seats and buying pizzas, they don't care which team those people support only that the money is in the bank.

Luke Southern

31/10/2013 11:00:48 am

I was at the Shalke game also and no exaggerating I was surrounded by away fans. Fair enough they behaved and it was actually quite good having them singing and making some noise, it made a nice change. But they shouldn't have been there its totally out of order. All bar the Newcastle 2-1 game, every game I've been to the atmosphere has been terrible. Too many tourists only interested in pictures and a holiday.

SemakulaGunners

30/10/2013 08:40:22 am

For most home games away fans somehow get tickets to clockend upper tier, we had around 20 fans who had come only to see Luis Suarez holding up the Uruguayan flag & cheering every time he had the ball nothing was done.

Needless to say Northbank upper directly behind the goal after row 25 seem to be tourists, I really feel sorry for season ticket holders who are located there like I was last season.

Jules

30/10/2013 09:12:39 am

Thanks for the explanation of Stewarts etc snuffing out the atmosphere. I took my daughter & her friend (his 1st match) both under 11 and he a 7 year old was looking at the away section and asking why can't we be more like "them".

Adam link

30/10/2013 09:25:35 am

We need a stable amount of fans that sings everygame , a reduced season ticket for those would be an really good thing , someone with contacts within the club must let them know , keep up the good work.

AFC King

30/10/2013 09:27:52 am

The stewards are spineless cowards who only dare to do anything when it's their own fans who are daring to create an atmosphere. I warned the stewards about the Dortmund fans standing on the seats last week and their response was "they're guests" and they said they couldn't do anything about it. And as a result the seats got broken and screws were thrown by the Dortmund fans at our fans because of the stewards inaction in the face of blatant breaches of the stadium regs (which are not worth the paper they're printed on)

And then they had the gall to threaten me for standing when other Arsenal fans were. I remained calm as I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of having me thrown out and I insisted they move me so I could, so after forcing me to sit for a half, they stuck me at the back of the stand from the front row.

Thankfully the North Bank was creating a good atmosphere while standing but it disgusts me that our stewards act that way towards our own fans. I recommend campaigns to sack Beattie or at every match have a period of constant swearing and/or personal abuse towards our stadium manager

Ilyas ozbal link

30/10/2013 09:29:47 am

I was about 4 rows down from the entrance with a load of pals. I was bursting for the toilet but I also saw the police questioning people and also people being asked to show tickets on the way back in so I just went and sat back down never seen anything like it. One of my friends actually got thrown out the ground for apparently 'being over the top' with the banter.

When we did actually sing, it was a great atmosphere.

gooner4365

30/10/2013 09:58:09 am

Another thing that truly annoys me is that we only have 2 chants that gets sung, "we're by far the greatest team" and "we love you Arsenal, we do" it gets boring after some time. We need more and better chants that are easy for people to learn, more pro Arsenal chants simply! This is why we need safe standing or a 'singing section'! (Sorry for being OT)

Woodywood87

30/10/2013 12:22:58 pm

I have a season ticket in block 19 (although I wasn't there last night) this is pretty standard behaviour from the stewards. It always seems to be worst in cup games particularly Champions League. I wrote to the club about it but never received a reply!

Paul Curtis

30/10/2013 12:28:45 pm

Can we do a petition to get lower clock end to be season tickets

Jk old skool gooner

30/10/2013 12:39:32 pm

Our once great club has sold out! Fact is that the emirates if full of old couples, tommy tourists and wealthy dads from north west london happy to pay 10k a year for seaon tickets for the family. All the old skool passionate gooners are spread around the stadium sitting beside the non vocal supporters. Its away days only for me and the home game against the scum. Wenger helped design this stadium!!! Breaks my heart to say it but we have lost our club and it all comes down to the pound note!!!!

Arsenal FC ..RIP?

30/10/2013 03:08:26 pm

I refuse to roll over and see my beloved club die and fall into the hands of corporates, tourists, JCLs and stewards 'under orders' to kill any hint of atmosphere. It may be a battle, but let's not give up.

Dennis

30/10/2013 12:40:00 pm

Stewards were disgraceful and the fat bitch with the clipboard did not have a clue how to interact with fans. It's not a visit to the cinema. Passion should be encouraged. No wonder the stewards work in an environment of fear if this woman is an example of how their work is judged.

Will not step foot inside that ground for a long time. Disgusted the way my club is being run. Well done the BSM for standing up to these corporate bullies. Hopefully other Arsenal fans will understand this has been an area of concern since they began. It affects everyone.

daren

30/10/2013 02:26:11 pm

I am a 2 x season ticket holder in the clock end, block 124, I was embarrassed at last nights game, surrounded by supporters I have never seen for the last 5 seasons I have sat there, videoing, texting, and even 1 pissed up 16yr old being sick over the person in front , all getting up and down out of their seats, some 15 mins before half time, I couldn't muster up any chants they had no interest, the chavs made me feel ashamed to call my self an Arsenal supporter, I enjoy away games more now, this problem needs to be addressed to the club

But wait a moment ..

30/10/2013 03:00:26 pm

It's so Cromwellian. There are so many genuine fans that want to back the team vocally but are stopped from doing so by stewards or other spineless, passionless fans who are more concerned about the half time hot dog or catching their train. Something really has to be done. A concerted effort. We can't give in to these people. Better, more supportive atmosphere = better performance on the pitch. If we can't sing and have fun watching our team play, what exactly is the point in paying exorbitant prices? The club needs to know how we all feel. Keep it up BSM. You speak for us proper Gooners.

geez

31/10/2013 03:03:23 am

I really think that the only way to get the attention of the club would be to boycott one of the matches. If our reasons for doing so are advertised well in advance and the media notified too, then the empty seats at a so called "sell out" game (don't make me laugh) could be highly embarrassing for the club which would force them to look at the reasons why we did this.

TheAFC

31/10/2013 03:26:54 am

BSM, why don't you start a forum for us Gooners to discuss all things Arsenal? It's a great way for fans to get together.

Mitya Pearson

31/10/2013 05:10:50 am

Outrageous by the club/stewards but this is absolutely brilliant work from BSM, please keep at it.

Heron Hann

31/10/2013 08:07:30 am

I blame the club and season tickets holders for this. During the Napoli game I had at least 10 Napoli fans around me. How they got these tickets. I tell how,our greedy season ticket holders selling them on the black market. How am I going to sing and chant when around me at every game there are opposition fans? It's disgraceful!!!!

ashfordgooner

31/10/2013 08:19:01 am

people who buy a seat to sit are also losing out. they cant sit due to people standing. the only solution is safe standing, so people have a choice. its what my grandfathers fought for. sadly, i dont hold out much hope with our current board of money grabbers, and laws of the government. great work bsm. please keep it up. we have a long hard battle to win.

Paul Brashier

31/10/2013 08:23:06 am

This is pretty bog standard aint it!!! Im afraid the managment upstairs or whoever is responsible for security management isnt exactly good at promoting good vibes, good sound and most of all exciting passion on the terraces!! It simply don't exist at our place anymore, its not allowed. Its almost like they want to treat us like cubs at Cub camp and want oggy oggy oggy oi oi oi songs. While I appreciate the game is more family based than say 10 or even 20 years you simply cannot and will never take the banter out of footie and the singing element. Arsenal Security has a lot to answer for I remember at the last 5 - 6 North London Derby's are our place OUR biggest game All friggin season they telling us to stop singing football songs? WTF! Stop representing! I wouldnt mind but the whole section is singing and if theres children around then Im afraid Im sorry but the realism of it all is DONT Bring ya kids.. I bring mine when possible and tell them that it is inevitable that they will hear some bad words but its hardly new to them. And as you mention is certainly not standard behaviour for home and away fans especially when the away fans have large numbers. Anything you can do about the above I will stand alongisde you for as quite frankly those security members employed are appauling all they want is a quiet life and what the game for freeness which sadly aint gonna happen in reality as were in a loud noisy buzzing football environment.

SStruka

31/10/2013 09:02:33 am

I come from Serbia,Belgrade and I am a huge fan of Arsenal for some 12 years. It was really bad hearing Chelsea fans singing so loud that night. I had no idea that it was caused by the police and stewards. Now that I found out the reason it got me even more angry.
Something has to change,I hope the management will see their own mistakes and singing on the stands will come back.
I used to be a Red Star Belgrade fan back in the days and believe me I know how it should sound like.
I hope everything will turn out fine for you guys,sorry that I can't be over there because of the Visa issues.
C'mon Arsenal! Napred Arsenal!!

King Henry

31/10/2013 10:22:34 am

I have to agree with most of the comments on here. It's a complete joke that we're not allowed to stand-up and support the team that we love! I was in the west stand on Tuesday and the only people signing around me was my mate, some guy directly behind me and maybe a handful of other guys. The 3 guys to my right had their headphones in, didn't make a sound and were only interested in leaving early at half-time to get a pint, and leaving early at the end to get the train home. When I looked at the row in front of me the same thing. I honestly believe the biggest problem is that people who aren't real fans will come to the games because we play the best football in London. I don't agree to not going to games as all that does is lower the ratio of proper fans. We need as many vocal fans inside the stadium as possible.

OLD TIMER

31/10/2013 10:27:17 am

I was one of the two pulled over at halftime, i was having a chat with one of the stewards ive know for a few years, he said to me that they was expecting trouble in block 19 etc, all of a sudden PC N1 247 , comes over and says he wants a word with me , i said fire away then, he went on to add that i had been pick up on camera for standing on my seat and shouting abuse at the Chelsea fans, i said that is a lie i have not stood on my seat and not shouted any abuse in the direction of the rent boys, he said i find that offensive i just laughed, i then said so you have it on camera he said yes the camera man picked me out, i said ok then lets go to the control room and have a look at what i have supposed to of done he said that is not possible, he then went on to add that if i carried on i would be ejected from the stadium etc etc, i said and will you use the none evidence of the film of me standing on the seat shouting abuse, he said if need be he also said stewards found me very abusive to them , i said when you go to the cinema you dont get the usher coming up asking to see your tickets for or 5 times within 30 mins, he said you would not be standing on your seat in a cinema either, i said what ever etc , i went back to watch the 2nd half and they scored there 2nd half i then went to the toilet about 5 mins later and as i came out of the toilet i was pulled to one side again and ask what i was doing in the toilet i said having a piss officer he said and , i said just a piss etc, he then asked to see my ticket again with that i said i cant be arsed and walked out of the stadium
enough is enough

Old timer

Andygoona

31/10/2013 11:37:07 am

Don't bother going much nowadays ,am 52 yr old ex season ticket holder and my 1st game at high bury 1974.
I was offered a seat for Norwich sitting in "north bank" and the singing was ok, then the we're the NB / we're the clock end / we're the East stand and it sounded great !
Lets hope the club act and get a proper clock end sorted.

Eoin link

31/10/2013 11:52:27 am

Our mate got thrown out of the ground for smoking one of those fake cigarettes. The stewards are muppets. We got told to sit down once by a busy steward but all ignored her as we're at the back row. There's not much she can do if we just don't bite and stick together.

South African Gunner

31/10/2013 12:22:59 pm

I, and I'm sure a multitude of "international gunners", never knew that this was one of the key reasons for the appalling atmosphere at the Emirates. I say one of the reasons because I'm sure King Henry hit the nail on the head when he said one of the reasons is all the fake fans. I'm, as you may have already guessed, from South Africa and my entire family are Gunners. We always create an amazing atmosphere in our home on game day and are always stunned by the lack of one at the stadium. Now that I am aware of the problem, what can we fans from around the world do to help. Lets get the survey out to a broader base of supporters. Perhaps Facebook, Arsenal blogs and forums. Surely if we get enough fans talking about this we can bring about a change.

mzk90

31/10/2013 01:34:22 pm

Was in B19. Only saw the grief at HT which was pathetic. What do they expect when there are 9k of the lowest scum in football next to you, lording it up in our ground, taking the piss. Should we just sit down and take it?
I think it was a good idea to try it, but I feel it was always doomed when we were next to their mob, who I hate to say, sang for almost the entire game and had a much bigger variety of songs too. It was always an uphill battle, especially once they went ahead.
I didn't hear the NB much at all, but maybe that's because of being next to the cfc trogs. Having been in the NB section at League Cup games in past, you get a lot of fans who don't normally attend and some sing, but only know the regular songs and some don't at all!
Anyway, let's try again next year and I hope the BSM will keep pushing for the changes we need in order to try and get some atmosphere back in the ground.
P.S. I f*cking hate chelsea!

Fred

31/10/2013 04:22:32 pm

Was at the game in the west stand getting told to sit by a 'first timer'.
We need to get the whole North Bank lower to be a singing section by moving season tickets around so everyone who wants to stand and sing is there. Also need to publish a list of chants so the younger generation can learn more than 'we love you arsenal'.
Keep up the good work BSM!

Patricia Ruth Phillips

31/10/2013 04:23:57 pm

Stopped going to home games as the atmosphere is awful, I went to Highbury for many years and could sing to my hearts content. I went to 2 games last season, first one all I heard was moaning and at the Villa game actually heard a "tourist" asking "what are they singing"? Corporate football is killing our club. I was disgusted to hear the chav's out singing us, now I understand why! I encourage all our fans to complete the survey we must send a clear message that we fans are the life blood of the club and without us there is no Arsenal!

Bruce

31/10/2013 04:34:42 pm

The chavs out sang us, but its the same throughout England away fans are louder because they STAND. Fully support safe standing rail seats.

Charlotte

31/10/2013 05:06:01 pm

The Emirates is absolutely shocking to be honest and there's been many games where I've sat there and actually felt embarrassed to be an arsenal fan because our lack of support and how easily we're drowned out by the away fans.

Matt Ryan

31/10/2013 05:43:08 pm

It's horrible what you guys have to go through. Being in america it is pretty much known that if you go to any sporting event people are going to be yelling and swearing. The only time you will be talked to is if your drunk as piss or blocking someones view of the game. But we also don't have hordes of away fans at home games that want to start fights. All i can say is the next time you see a person snapping pictures all game long or knitting, tell them that there are fans that would kill to see Arsenal play and they should be a little more grateful. Hopefully Arsenal will come to america soon or I can find a job in London to help you guys.

PS. If anyone can get me a decent paying job in or around London I will buy you a new Arsenal kit and you will gain a life long friend.

Matt Ryan

31/10/2013 05:58:11 pm

It's horrible what you guys have to go through. That stuff would never happen in america, but our sports and atmospheres are a lot different then yours. All I can say is the next time a fan is snapping pictures all game long, yawning, knitting, or just not enjoying seeing Arsenal play then tell them there are fans who would kill to see them play. Hopefully Arsenal will come to america soon or I can get a job in England so I can help you guys.

PS. If anyone can get me a decent job in or around London then I will buy you a new kit and you will gain a friend for life.

Matt Ryan

31/10/2013 05:58:27 pm

Matt Ryan

31/10/2013 05:59:20 pm

matt ryan

31/10/2013 06:35:03 pm

Sorry about the multiple posts

Kyle Blackburn

31/10/2013 10:47:41 pm

That is such depressing news to hear. Being in another country and only getting to only a handful of games a year, i really wish the few i can attend could have better atmosphere's.

Please BSM keep up the good work. Hopefully soon the club will recognise that what we want is actually also good for our club at the end of the day.

DECLAN BURKE

1/11/2013 12:00:44 am

The modern day sports stadia, with all it's state of the art facilities, the modern day supporter or should that be ''GUEST'' is killing the atmosphere at sports events, look at the empty seats either side of half time at all matches, the ''fan'' too busy on his phone or pad or whatever to really concentrate on the match, As I saw one fan comment a few days ago ''Can people not survive 45 minutes anymore at a game without eating'' ? Former Irish rugby international Alan Quinlan wrote a brilliant article last february a day after the Ireland V England six nations match where he said he felt sick at the type of 'fan' who had tickets - they were too busy with technology and eating to bother creating an atmosphere. Our old foe ROY KEANE was so right when he branded the ''prawn sandwich brigade''

Goonami

1/11/2013 01:42:22 am

Shocking that the stewards were briefed before the game on how to nullify atmosphere.
Stadium manager, stewards and met police around at emirates on Tuesday should be ashamed of themselves. I'm sure the stadium manager was under orders from above(more than my jobs worth) and the met were prob enjoying something to do but the stewards have no excuse.
German and Turkish fans as well as English fans that travel in numbers can almost do what they want at the grove, so why not us?
If the bubble ever bursts in English football it will be us hardcore supporters left, not Johnny tourist.
Keep up the good work BSM

Orpington gooners

1/11/2013 01:52:52 am

I had the misfortune of watching the game from west upper on halfway line, great view, but dull as, 2 hoorays behind us were having a political argument in the 2 nod half and telling each other to F off in a polite way but meaning it.
Felt like a chelski home game

First Time at the Emirates

1/11/2013 04:40:59 am

I’m an overseas gunner and this was my first time at the Emirates. The first 15 minutes of the game were great, the North Bank came alive. However, I talked to multiple people both during half-time and after the game who said they were harassed by the stewards. I may not agree with all the views of the BSM but on this issue the cannon faces west. 9,000 Chelsea fans should not be able to drown out all of the Red Army. The club and the supporters both need to come together to create a better match day experience. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan from Islington or from Nigeria, you deserve a better match day experience. I was in Block 13 and many of the fans around me didn’t know half of the chants, an easy solution to this would be putting some of the chants in the match-day programme and telling the fans about that. Or emails sent to ticket holders before the match teaching them the chants. Now this is where the club has to bring in supporters to decide what chants to teach first time attendees. The only other stadium I’ve been to is the Westfalenstadion and the preparation they put into the matchday experience is remarkable. It’s intimidating, and that’s what we need. So I will be chanting till I go hoarse at Liverpool and Southampton this month and hope you guys will be too.

Bring on the Scousers.

Richard

1/11/2013 07:10:37 am

As a steward & a fan, I realise how frustrating this rule is. Ivan Gazidis is a fan of standing sections in stadia however & is pushing for a similar section at the Emirates. This seems the best way forward as Arsenal promotes itself as a family friendly environment & inclusive to all types of spectators, of all abilities/disabilities. I propose as much correspondence with Ivan should be encouraged to fast track a standing section being created in the stadium.

I was disheartened to hear the Chelsea fans out-singing us for the most-part of the match & believe the standing rule is a large part of the problem. A couple of factors on Tuesday was that there were a lot of 'neutrals' attending whom had taken advantage of the £10-20 tickets too & there is also the long standing problem that when chants are thought up, it has been a case over the past 5-6 years that these have been lost as the players have been sold. It takes a while for new chants to take hold & be learnt by all, which is another reason why holding onto our best players is imperative for maintaining morale amongst the supporters & giving the best, most vocal support.

Make sure you voice your favour for a standing section for the stadium to be created. As soon as a few start singing, the rest will follow!!!

Mjc1992

1/11/2013 12:23:09 pm

Not sure I agree with the idea of making stands purely season ticketed. Plenty of non-ST people at matches who sing their hearts out, myself included. Think it'd be far more sensible to have a drop drop option when buying a ticket as to whether you want to be in a singing section or not, and group like minded people. Sure there's some fancy way of doing it with a group in every corner to get the sound flowing, as I'm sure there are a fair few people who care about the club a hell of a lot, just aren't singers.

@Swales68

2/11/2013 01:05:28 am

I got my son & his friend 2 tickets for the Dortmund game, lower East just around the half way line. My son has sat/stood with me numerous times and is very vocal at games, when other parts of the ground were singing during this game he and his friend stood up to sing. They were promptly told to sit down not by the jonny come latleys nor the iPod generation but by the hardcore long term season ticket holding Arsenal fans. When Arsenal scored again they jumped up and celebrated and started singing and again they were told to sit down.
I have sat in these seats before and these fans offer nothing to the atmosphere and do not allow any atmosphere to generate from this area. As I said these are long term Arsenal supporters who have held season tickets for 30+ years it is not always about the new fans or the tourists.
I was in the ground at 7pm for the Dortmund game and the away fans were rocking, the Arsenal fans were nowhere to be seen. The players came out to warm up and again the reception their players recived was amazing while the Arsenal players got a polite round of applause from the few hundred Arsenal fans. You want another singing section within the ground but will it just be another Redaction turn up 5mins before the game rather than than get in the ground early and help build the atmosphere. If fans walk into a ground that is already noisy from the home fans are they not more likely to join in. To me Redaction and others would rather stay in the pub for that extra beer than be in the ground singing & cheering when the players come out to warm up. How much of a lift do you think the Dortmund players got from seeing their fans in the ground for them before the game.

The BSM seem to be able to organise 1000's to march/walk in protest against the club how about help organising fans to get into the ground and meet and one of the bar areas half hour before kick off and start creating an atmosphere within the ground?

The Emirates was ALIVE

2/11/2013 02:49:04 pm

One of the loudest nights ever. 5 points clear and a match won with style. Thank you to BSM for pointing out the problems, thank you to all the fans for responding, and, last but definitely not least, thank you to Wenger and the lads for a fine performance. We need to get behind the team like we did today whether we're winning or losing. A shout out to Yogi's Warrior for leading me to this website and, as usual, leading us to all things Arsenal.

James campbell

13/11/2013 12:06:13 pm

Some really good points on here I'm a red member who goes to the emirates as much as possible but not as often as I would like due to working weekends and money however whenever I do go I get behind my team and always leave with a sore throat and speaking horse lol I think that's what football is all about the emirates has to many foreign tourists on there holidays and buisness men trying to win contracts by taking others to arsenal and it is ridiculous I used to watch liverpools kop end on a champions league night and think I wish we could have that at the emirates even just once I hope we can achieve something where we can stand and sing and give our team the support it deserves i remember an interview with Thierry Henry saying we need more support in games I mean players asking for support that's fcuking ridiculous

ClockEnd Mark

14/11/2013 04:16:38 pm

Why not get in behind the goal in the ClockEnd, not down the side.

A. Gooner

15/11/2013 12:16:33 am

The people making the noise in the Clock End is mainly the Fmily Enclosure. the problem is that if you dare to try and stand and sing near the away fans in the Clock End, the stewards jump on you and get you to either sit down or move you.

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Atmosphere? No chance.

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