So The Arsenal, one of the great clubs in the world, puts on a pre-season friendly tournament in the capital city, and invites three decent European sides, Benfica, Monaco and Valencia to come and join the party. They throw the doors open to their wider fan-base ensuring a full house of 60,000 on both days of the weekend, many of whom are children visiting the ground for the first time. There is a real carnival atmosphere, and although the Sunday game does not go entirely to script (it is after all a proper match, albeit one played not quite at full pace) a clear cut foul on the home team’s striker in the penalty area ensures that a moment of high drama will see the match end as a draw. Not quite the perfect result, but the young crowd will experience a home goal in front of the North Bank and glow as their heroes parade the trophy that they all but guaranteed in a five goal romp against Benfica on the Saturday. Just about perfect in every way, and the officials (who have been treated with the utmost respect and looked after all weekend so that they too can get up to match speed for the coming season) don’t even have to massage the rules to achieve the result desired by all those who flocked to the Emirates. Just about perfect in every way. It is almost as if a script has been written. God, or at least Arsene Wenger, is in his heaven and all is well with the world.
Except between them the linesman and referee manage to find a way to avoid making the right decision. Instead of the initial penalty awarded by the ref, the linesman’s intervention results in a mere free kick. The match ends in defeat and the spoils go to a Valencia side that few in the crowd have even heard of. The disappointment is tangible and the young fans drift away: some will return, many won’t.
I cannot think of any other major club in the world that would have its hospitality so cynically abused. And if, given all the peripheral reasons for ensuring that justice was done on the Sunday afternoon of an essentially meaningless Emirates Cup, the officials still choose to disadvantage the home side, what chance is there that a level playing field will exist when we travel to Manchester, to Liverpool, to West London to contest not friendlies but proper matches where points and prestige are at stake.
The mind quickly returns to the FA Cup Final, May 17th 2014. The Arsenal, rocked by two early Hull goals, slowly but surely gain a foothold in the match through the excellent Cazorla and go about securing their first trophy for several years. Referee Lee Probert, who once infamously sent Arsene Wenger to the stands for having the temerity to kick a plastic water bottle in frustration at yet another anti-Arsenal decision at Old Trafford, turns down three obvious penalty decisions in a show of breathtaking indifference to the actual rules of the game he has been chosen to oversee. This time his meddling makes no difference and an extra-time winner secures the spoils, but few would deny that Probert made it much harder for the victors to impose their obvious on-field superiority.
Penalties are game-changing moments and as such spotlight the referee’s competence, not just in applying the rules correctly, but also and perhaps more importantly, of having the courage to do so impartially, no matter what the situation, no matter how hostile the home crowd. They are real talking points, and it is no wonder that at times it is obviously easier to wave play on. However, while penalties clearly do affect results, they are not necessarily the most important decisions that referees are called upon to make. An early Yellow Card not given for a professional foul sets in motion a whole series of cynical assaults, all designed to break up the rhythm of the better side – playmakers are targeted for rotational fouling, so lax officiating not only amounts to a cheat’s charter but also threatens the skilled player’s entire career. Any team that plays a passing game does so to maneuver their opposition out of position before making the final and telling assist: little unpunished professional fouls allow the out-maneuvered time and space to regroup. The Arsenal are particularly vulnerable to this tactic, but, and this cannot be stressed too strongly, this tactic cannot work if the referee is doing his job properly. Every time you see the official keep his card in his pocket when a yellow should have been given you will know that he is, either intentionally or unintentionally, favoring the transgressor over the transgressed. Every time you read an opinion that suggests that The Arsenal have been contained or beaten by a manager that does tactics, ask yourself whether the referee has also played a part in those tactics. And if you find that yes, in fact the ref has had an influence, then you might also begin to ask about the validity or the motive of that anti-Arsenal opinion.
Any Arsenal fan will have their own particular examples of games that have been refereed in a particularly anti-Arsenal way, and it will be interesting to see the comments section fill up with moments when the decisions have literally beggared belief. The best Arsenal site for detailing the vagaries of specific referees is Untold Arsenal, and it is always sobering to read their referee reviews before any game. There don’t seem to be many refs who call it evenly, and I leave it to you to think about why that might be the case, and why so few Arsenal blogs draw attention to that situation. But I think they should, and I think that all Arsenal fans have a responsibility to speak loudly and clearly about the way the games are officiated. If there is an anti-Arsenal bias then we should all draw attention to it. Fans interviewed on Arsenal TV should talk about the decisions of the referee, fans on Twitter should point to the man in black, influential bloggers should have the officials firmly in their sights. We all enjoy having our own views about what the manager should have done, and who has played well or not so well, and there is a time and place for those opinions, but I would suggest that in the immediate aftermath of a game the performance of the officials should be clearly and vociferously scrutinized.
And perhaps most importantly of all, those who go regularly to the stadium should be very loud and proud in support of their team – and even louder and more hostile towards the referee if he shows any signs of getting it wrong. The season ticket holders need to be the 12th man, and referees should expect any decision not correctly given Arsenal’s way to lead to a violent storm of ear-splitting hate. We expect marginal decisions to go against us at Old Trafford, the Bernabeu, and the Allianz for that is the way of things, but we must do all in our power to ensure that when we play at home we at the very least get the rub of the green. It would be nice to think that on match days all Arsenal fans would put aside their differences, and unite to make The Emirates a proper fortress that our players adore and opposing teams and referees fear. Make some noise, create merry hell and make the referees mind up for him. Together we can indeed be stronger and when we go to matches we need to remember that supporting The Arsenal means exactly that – and that proper and noisy support can and does lead to key decisions going the home team’s way
Today’s article was given to us by Tim Head @foreverheady
Positively Arsenal 
Thank you for the link, Shotta. That is *very* interesting. For the use of video technology, the tide does seem to be slowly turning. Although he is something of a laughingstock, even Herr Blatter came out in favour of going further with the use of video technology than merely using it for goal-line decisions. I think his proposal was to allow a small number of “challenges” per team, similar to the way it works in tennis. There are advantages to this approach – it limits the number of stoppages – but they are far outweighed by the downside: in particular, it puts a limit on the amount of corrections that can be made. Why put a cap on justice? Judge, addressing victim: “I’m sorry that you have been robbed five times recently, but our rules dictate that you can only seek redress twice.”
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Looks like Özil is enjoying his pre-season training!
http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/06/mesut-ozil-pictured-partying-with-dj-steve-aoki-in-las-vegas-nightclub-on-arsenal-break-4823153/?ito=va
When he comes back into the the team, as with the two spineless ones after the 2010WC his levels will be below everyone else. And as we saw in 10/11 the overall level of the team will drop for a game or two as one or two players in key positions get back up to speed.
It was that observation in the autumn of 10/11 that made me realise how finely tuned these athletes have to be in the modern game.
I see the Groaners are now groaning about the medical teams management of Tommy V. Of course they will completely forget to mention that the player himself rushed himself back from the initial injury, against advice. And they also completely ignore that alongside the club physios he has had his own physios too, who are not bad! You can only hope that he learnt his lesson, but speaking to such physios, well, they don’t expect anything different from their charges. Athletes want to play.
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That’s good news, LSG, about you being in London. I sometimes have a spare for midweek matches. You would be very welcome.
FH, great idea about the ‘supporter’ groups. I can’t think of any better way to support the team, and it would probably take some concerted organisation to help change the culture. In all seriousness, I wonder if the sheer class of the stadium encourages a certain passivity in fans – those cushioned seats are very comfortable! Definitely not the case in Old Trafford and other grounds.
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“Footballer has enjoyable holiday” – what a scandal! I hope the club are planning a suitable punishment.
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Athletes want to play. Which is why the concussion thing has been in the news and apparently the new Arsenal physio, ze German fella has had some input into the adoption of new guidelines, I heard this on a the radio or on some podcast or other. The new guidelines mean that players who get knocked out have to come off – second impact syndrome.
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Wow!
New guidelines on concussion. Video replays. It’s all kicking off.
Progress!
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The Beck sent me a blog. But its a bit too self indulgent to be posted as a main item. So I’ll post it here as a comment.
”
Thank you to everyone at Positively Arsenal
I want to take a moment and thank everyone who has ever written, commented and shared content for Positively Arsenal.
Over the last 10 years we’ve faced a lot of difficult decisions and the club had to make a lot of big changes in order to adapt to the future.
Many of you have pleaded for time, patience, understanding and a sophistication behind every move we’ve made. You’ve waited and waited whilst being mocked and ridiculed by opportunists everywhere.
You guys have been backing players since day one, so even if they come good or bad, it didn’t matter, you were always classy about it. You’re *real* support, you’re *proper* fans and you’re the heartbeat of this club for me as you would be for any club.
Every time I had seen someone ask for patience, the responses you would get were short sighted and often conjured up to whatever small level understanding they could subject you to.
Even last year, when most of you told everyone that the time was up, the patience was no longer, we were there, we were actually there, no one believed you, no one wanted to. They wanted to bang on the same drum as before.
We’ve had to endure classics such as:
Arsene doesn’t do tactics,
X player is shit, but miraculously gets better in 2 years but Arsene is not to thank.
X player is great, keep him, even though he wants to leave.
X player is injured, lets dump him.
Arsene is a dictator,
Arsene doesn’t want to spend,
Arsene can’t buy world class players anymore,
Arsene is not a winner, he’s lost it,
We’re a selling club and it won’t change under Arsene,
Gazidis is useless,
The board are corrupt and want to keep all the money forever.
I could go on and on.
It has all changed now, what an incredible summer, what an incredible feeling and what incredible fans you’ve been.
You were right, about so many things Arsenal, all along.
I don’t care about smugness, about pride and all sorts, we buckled up when things were hard and we backed things to change for the better given a different financial outlook and they did.
I never cared that some of you supported blindly, or were kind about a player blindly through a bad patch, that doesn’t matter, for me, that’s what support is about.
I’d rather love and care for people who are supportive without constantly being told why they need to be supportive, rather than those who are discontent and malicious and who constantly needed to be told and still rejected.
There’s been a lot more blind hatred and dislike than there has been support and I’d just like to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for representing what its like to be an Arsenal fan for me.
There will always be a lot of division between fans, a lot of personal dislike too, everyone needs a place where they feel comfortable to express their opinion and Positively Arsenal has always done that for me.
Here’s to an amazing season,
and here’s to you guys.
Much love,
The Beck “
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Louis Van Gaal is proper ruthless
He has axed Howard Webb
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Respect where it is due:
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BAemNPUCMAAJsK1.jpg:large
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I’d like to say that it was me who took the time to ‘shop that image above but someone else had the same original and hilarious idea at the least over a year ago.
Can’t imagine what inspired him!
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Lol – poor old Howard – cast off like an old shoe
I am sure all Postivistas will join me in wishing Mr Webb well in his new role with PGMOL as technical director – continuing his drive for excellence in the art of football refereeing. A steady shoulder behind the wheel of top top quality officiating.
I sense we shall meet again.
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Isn’t he the idiot that gave De Jong 3 yellow cards in the world cup final in 2010? Or is my memory going…how did he keep refereeing after that debacle. Arse kisser number one I suppose.
Untold had his stats and analysis of his performances and its shown him to be – apart from corrupt and biased – a very weak referee. It is a shame integrity and merit do not get rewarded among referees.
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No that idiot is Graham Poll in the 2006 World Cup Sav, Howard is another Idiot
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Graham Poll is the one who gave out three red cards. Webb is the one who kept De Jong on after karate kicking Xabi Alonso in the chest.
Webb is off, thank heavens. I’ve never seen such a shit referee skate by on undue fame.
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I can think of a lot of refs I would rather see the back of.
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Those are kind words from The Beck.
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OutforaCorner, that is really most kind. It would be especially enjoyable to join someone who is a regular and is a positive supporter–I’ll be happy to reimburse you the ticket value.
I think it could be a really special season. Last season was wonderful despite fading to 4th at the end after leading so long and the FA cup feels like a foretaste of bigger achievements for this group. I am glad I’ll be in London from Sept until the end of the season: I hope I’ll be there for a parade, as last year’s looked tremendous!
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Fins, brilliant.
From 2011, UA’s article
The Busacca moment:
http://untold-arsenal.com/archives/14072
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That was very complimentary by The Beck. Maybe George wasn’t that crazy in setting up PA.
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He was that crazy.
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He still is.
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So the BBC in their never-ending quest for balance and objectivity appoint Phil ‘bore for England Neville and the idiot Ferdinand (assuming he remembers to turn up) to their lamentable Match of the Day line-up.
Simply can’t wait for THEIR assessments of this season’s abject refereeing performances.
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How ruddy prescient of you!
A post about dodgy Refereeing and what appens? That twat in chief, let’s keep the game flowing, by which I actually mean, let’s allow loads of blatantly violent fouls, because that’s what the punters want innit guv, Howard the useless fuck Webb has jacked it in to cause even more shizen up at Riley Towers…
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“I can think of a lot of refs I would rather see the back of.”
Yes, 2 of them were on show at the weekend – Mason and Atkinson. Add Taylor and Dean for starters.
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Possible UCL opponents: Athletic Bilbao, Lille, FC Copenhagen, Standard Liege or Besiktas.
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P.S. I forgot to mention the non-stop brainwashing by BT sports in favour of Liverpool, while highlighting one of our low points of the season. Surely the most important point of last season was not that the 4th placed team suffered a heavy defeat to the second placed team? I have not seen one advert about the team that actually won the thing. But at least once an hour on the TV, plus radio spots, plus posters have all been about the train wreck at Anfield. And don’t bother to tell me it’s a coincidence. They are creating the narrative for 14/15 and hoping for a repeat.
I hope the AFC players are seeing this blanket coverage and are ready to dish out some revenge.
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No real ‘Bloody Hell’ teams in the CL draw but I doubt any of them are mugs. Probably prefer to avoid the Turks and the Basques. Copenhagen is a lovely town and Lille is very handy for shopping.Never been to Liege.
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I was interested to see young Alisher Usmanov had broken months and months of silence to comment on the club of which the chubby little tinker owns a third.
Always nice to see a real fan speaking up, especially after so long.
Any sugestion that his unexpected statement this week on AFC was in any at to emphasise his enthusiasm for his UK contribution and distance himself from.the soon to be imposed sanctions on his pal Putin would be far wide of the mark.
I’m sure.
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“Any sugestion that his unexpected statement this week on AFC was in any at to emphasise his enthusiasm for his UK contribution and distance himself from.the soon to be imposed sanctions on his pal Putin would be far wide of the mark.”
Funny, I thought the exact same thing. Those sad individuals thinking he was a potential saviour of the club could not have been more wrong. He has always been about what the club can do for him, from dividends to protection from past and present unsavoury associations.
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According to Bloomberg Usmanov’s wealth ( in terms of the businesses he owns or has a substantial part of) has reduced by $2.8 billion since some trigger happy nutcase shot down MH 17 Pass
There is a risk he might find his UK/US assets frozen next
I can understand why he is twitching (banned hammer and sickle)
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Well let’s see. The UK has too much to lose by imposing sanctions on Russia.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26431849
Also, perhaps this is why Her Majesty’s government will not condemn the slaughter of innocent children
http://tinyurl.com/qhamqbq
Aha, and you dipsticks think football is in a bubble….not on here….(banned grumpy face)
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Not certain Abramovitch is resting quite so easily these days, either.
Whilst I’m sure it would be too much to hope to see the back of both (Abram & Usmanov), were they to each cash in their club chips I think it’s likely that only one of them would turn a profit.
Almost begs the question – exactly how much IS Chelsea worth without Abramovitch?
Short on ground capacity, short on fan numbers, short on history.
Will they take their tanks firing £20 notes away with them if they start shooting blanks?
How the era’s change …
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Come on PG get me out of moderation please….
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Why has my last comment been posted immediately…..I smell a rat….
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Have you broken this site GP ?
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Anicoll
I posted something just before the 8:59 am post which went into moderation. It contained two links to some pieces which made me angry and frustrated at our political class and ruling elite, one piece somewhat, related to football…..
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Let’s try again, my post from 8:59am
Well let’s see. The UK has too much to lose by imposing sanctions on Russia.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26431849
Also, perhaps this is why Her Majesty’s government will not condemn the slaughter of innocent children
http://tinyurl.com/qhamqbq
Aha, and you dipsticks think football is in a bubble….not on here….(banned grumpy face)
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Wish I didn’t have to work.
So I could go sit in the sun and watch the Arsenal at work.
*sighs*
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all posts with more than 1 link go to moderation..
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Fins
Explain ‘work’ please?
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That Ravel Morrison is a right charmer – if any of the accusations made in Manchester Magistrates court this morning are proven.
I was delighted to see ‘Arry has his number though; ‘He’s a smashing boy, he’s not a bad lad in any way shape or form, he’s a really lovely boy,’ added the Rangers boss.
Well that’s all right then
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In case you are wondering;
“Former Manchester United player Ravel Morrison has been charged with threatening to throw acid in his ex-girlfriend’s face, blow up her house and ‘have her killed’, a court heard today.”
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/ex-united-star-ravel-morrison-accused-7577229
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anicol5
Don’t jump to conclusions…. it;s still only an accusation. Not guilty until proved otherwise.
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I’m starting to get a little nervous here.
How am I going to see my favourite midfield when Özil is not available if Arsenal indulge in further deadline day shenanigans (I expect nothing less) and buy another midfielder?
Ramsey – Rosicky
Carzola
With Sanchez and Chamberlain wide for the opening few games, rotating with Plodders Campbell etc. as impact subs (twenty to thirty minute impact subs a new string to the bow for this rebuilt squad…?) I would love it, just love if they played that lineup on Sunday. Epic contests between Rosicky and Yaya Toure when they’ve played against each other in recent seasons, including the last game the 1-1, which included a fine Flamini goal and whisper it but a good performance from Tommy V. It’s got to be Barca or bust if he’s going. I hope
In short I hope Vengarrrrrrr is reading PA again (obviously my comments on Sanchez in May helped convince him!) and plays Rozza in CM more often this season.
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NB
Work for the Arsenal today = members day open training session at the stadium.
Work for me = sitting in front of computer and not in the sunshine in the stadium whilst watching the arsenal train.
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Well to be pedantic it is a charge NB, a number of charges in fact. As you say it must be for the Crown to prove its case against young Ravel an he intends to plead not guilty. He has already had a weekend in Strangeways so it will have concentrated his mind.
Odd name that – why would you call your son after a shoe shop ?
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Does Ravel shoes still exist
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From twitter, this had me on stitches
@bazzapowell: Harry Redknapp was asked what he thought about this Ebola from Africa, he said ” I nearly signed him for spurs, the lads got potential “
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I think Strangeways as a prison name is strange
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How strange is the suggestion from Danny Murphy this morning on the radio that Tom Huddlestone is the solution for England’s midfield woes? Did he suffer too many concussions whilst playing?
Incredible. Then again it was only in the Autumn that Durham suggested Dawson for the English defence. *wipes a tear*.
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