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How Seriously Do UEFA Endorse Kick Out Racism? Here’s A Test

Jul 10th, 2019 by 'holic

It’s pitchfork and lit torches time for me this evening. Those who have seen me at close quarters in the North London derby can attest to the fact that my usually calm veneer can very quickly become what others would describe as irrationally tarnished. It’s my experience of the fixtures over many years that causes these extremes of reaction.

The only other times I get over-excited, shall we say, is at perceived injustice. This injustice is often political in nature so it’s for the best that I don’t give examples here, isn’t it Mr Duncan Smith, bludgeoner of the disabled.

Those who have followed me a while on Twitter know that I can get pretty emotional about the unnecessary use of the ‘Y’ word these days. Racism is another topic over which I have low-hanging blue touch paper, and what happened to one of our young Gunners last night has got the veins in my neck bulging today.

I want you to picture a scene with me. Jordi Osei-Tutu, our 20 year old full-back has gone on loan to Vfl Bochum in Bundesliga 2. He made his debut in a pre-season friendly, yes friendly, against the Swiss team St Gallen. Three minutes before half-time He had what appeared to be an exchange of words with the Swiss club’s Tunisian defender, Sliman Kchouk, as reported in the Daily Mirror by Liam Prenderville.

The upshot was that a visibly upset Osei-Tutu, after an angry exchange with the referee, left the pitch apparently in tears. Although he missed the remainder of the half he did return to the action after the break.

Before I get busy with my implements of protest I have to consider that I did not see the incident live, and am therefore bound to come to a view based on the likelihood of probability interpreting the statement of others and the evidence of a video of the incident.

Firstly I am bound to ask what would cause the young player to react in such a way on his debut for a club on whom he clearly wants to make an impression this season in order to enhance his future prospects at The Arsenal. On this basis alone it is clear that something occurred to prompt it.

Secondly the reaction of the St Gallen Club today leaves a very sour taste in the mouth.

“FC St.Gallen 1879 makes it clear that it strongly condemns all forms of racism and discrimination. Such misconduct would be sanctioned immediately. Our players have a respectful relationship with each other regardless of origin, skin colour or religion. In a clarifying conversation with the managers, the player concerned credibly assured that he had also adhered to this club principle yesterday in the match against VfL Bochum.”

With respect, although precious little, I would suggest that taking the word of a player who unquestionably said something yesterday and quickly condoning his likely racism looks like a very hasty cover-up of what happened.

Thirdly, the standard absurd defence of the truly guilty. In response to a complaint from a German supporter St Gallen’s Twitter account assured us that,

“Where does the certainty that he is lying come from? Notabene are the player’s two best friends, two dark-skinned teammates.”

That’s all right then. Everybody believes that old chestnut.

The Arsenal have been quick to respond to reports of the incident. The club website – arsenal.com – carried the following statement today.

Last night Jordi Osei-Tutu received unacceptable racial abuse playing for VfL Bochum during a pre-season friendly match against Swiss club St Gallen. 

We are working closely with Bochum and Jordi and we are giving him our full support. 

Racism has no place in our game and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Jordi, who is on a season long loan, said: “I am very disappointed about what happened. 

“No one should ever be subject to any discrimination and it is really hard to understand how a fellow professional footballer could do this. Arsenal and Bochum have provided great support to me and I hope that if nothing else, we can show that racism has no place within football.”

I wonder what the attitude of UEFA, proud endorsers of the Kick Out Racism campaign in public, will be to this incident? What action will they take against a player who apparently practices racist acts, and against his club who undoubtedly have been seen to endorse such disgusting behaviour?

I won’t hold my breath.

Posted in comment | 165 Drinks

165 Responses to “How Seriously Do UEFA Endorse Kick Out Racism? Here’s A Test”

  1. on 10 Jul 2019 at 6:35 pm1can't be arsed

    ‘holic

    in my own experience here
    i always find it most bizarre
    the irrational hatred thrown about
    at black players
    eh ?
    wha ?
    the ridiculousness of it
    as you’d imagine
    compounded by people
    who’ve experienced nonsensical prejudice themselves
    is stratospheric

    but
    it exists and it exists loudly
    in many a bar here
    from the players own supporters

    it is stopped as soon as it starts mostly
    but it’s ridiculous it starts

    .
    so
    fair play big man
    for shining a big light on it here

    it’s just so fuckin moronic

  2. on 10 Jul 2019 at 6:38 pm2bt8

    Thank you ‘holic for this very important column. Arsenal as the parent club are in the position of needing to stand up in support of Osei-Tutu, and the club statement makes it sound like they are on the right track but a good deal of follow-through will be important to see that the player and club (St Gallen) are thoroughly investigated and sanctioned when found to be committing and supporting this behavior. Also a test case for UEFA as you say.

  3. on 10 Jul 2019 at 6:45 pm3Goonerholic

    Thanks both. We ran the National Front out of Highbury’s pubs and The Angel forty years ago. The Arsenal were always at the forefront of the fight against racism, and as much as this may be dismissed as virtue-signalling by some it has always been something that I have felt very strongly about. What we did was right then, and highlighting incidents like this is right now.

  4. on 10 Jul 2019 at 6:48 pm4can't be arsed

    ‘holic

    you’ll do for me

  5. on 10 Jul 2019 at 6:57 pm5Jon

    Disclaimer: Racism = bad
    Can anyone produce a video or something showing anything at all to support the fact that racial abuse was actually used.. ? I have yet to see anything apart from the video where Osei-Tutu walks off and the emotional arguement going along the læines of, he’s crying, so it must be racism. I know it is super fun to jump at the chance to condemn the evil racist, but maybe just stick to the facts and don’t blow your entire load on a single instance of alleged racism.. We have been down that road before.. many times..

  6. on 10 Jul 2019 at 7:23 pm6can't be arsed

    there’s a thing nowadays
    i’m no expert

    too elderly

    where
    a glass of water is fictional
    cos no one saw it poured

    and
    believe me i’m well aware of lies
    damned lies
    and yer arrested Mr Arsed

    but
    i say
    hooray for knee-jerk reactions here

  7. on 10 Jul 2019 at 7:26 pm7can't be arsed

    knees are people too

  8. on 10 Jul 2019 at 7:43 pm8Goonerholic

    Dear Jon,

    If you had bothered to comprehend what I have written you will see I say, in different words, that to which you allude.

    You happen to think it is possible that the nice Tunisian man made Jordi cry by accidentally standing on his feet. You are entitled to your view.

    I am happy that “a view based on the likelihood of probability” is a more than reasonable interpretation of what I have seen and read. And I thought long and hard about both.

    Pretty good advice for all to consider there.

  9. on 10 Jul 2019 at 7:45 pm9Jon

    What if we propose the punish the vile creature who dared to pour this fictional glass of water.. ? Are knee jerk reactions good then?
    My neighbour gave me the stink eye and now my best cow died, Burn the witch!
    This constant racism hypersensitivity is creating more racism than it solves.. absolutely guaranteed..

  10. on 10 Jul 2019 at 7:58 pm10Goonerholic

    I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how that looks from here, Jon.

  11. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:13 pm11Jon

    Dear Goonerholic
    I didn’t realize that comprehension was just a matter of ‘bothering’.. I suppose me just being too stupid is out of the question then? Hmm that is good to know I guess..

    But.. I must be though..
    because I don’t know what you are referring to when you say that you had already written what I alluded to.. Is it the opening part where you out yourself as someone who is prone to knee-jerk over the top reactions to these sorts of things? I applaud your brief moment of clarity btw. Or is it the part where you do exactly what I allude to and your moment of clarity drowns in the subsequent waves of self-confirming hand waving?

  12. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:15 pm12Jon

    You don’t have to say anything at all.. I already know that you will assume the worst about me based on what little I have written.. I know how the game is played.. I didn’t do the dance properly and now I am tainted..

  13. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:21 pm13can't be arsed

    i think knees are people too was the clue
    Mr Magoo

  14. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:27 pm14Goonerholic

    Let me try one last time, Jon.

    I have accepted I was not present, and explained why I have come to the conclusions I have arrived at.

    Can you see the difference between me (I have completed the test and included my workings out) and your negative response somehow blaming the perfectly logical argument for being a cause of racism.

    I can draw only one conclusion about you and the negativity and soundbites you are relying on. Sorry.

  15. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:31 pm15bt8

    An investigation is required, and a thorough one. Experience has shown that the vast majority of those who make accusations of crimes do not do so baselessly

  16. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:40 pm16Dexter

    Regardless if theres enough proof for you Jon, what is certain is, you’re a bit of a cunt.

    Why so desperate to defend this? Or to demand proof? By extension, you’re suggesting the young Arsenal player his loan club and Arsenal are all fucking lying!

    The response from St Gallen was ducking disgusting.

    I never ever understand people who jump into discussions around racism, seemingly hell bent on either minimising or defending the actions of racists.

    They almost always end up being outed as racists…

  17. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:44 pm17Jon

    Thank you for taking the time to indulge a simpleton like myself..
    good on you for deeming your own rationale for why this was racism valid. It means a great deal..
    No, please.. I am sorry, I just wasn’t able follow the advanced steps you took to reach your ‘perfectly logical’ verdict in the high court of racism..
    The racist denied being a racist and it was said he had black friends.. I mean come on… In 2019, that just screams racism, doesn’t it?

    Going of soundbites.. guilty!.. Nothing like what you are doing..
    That would be palpably hypocritical.. Sorry about the negativity, i’ll try to be more positive, like you.. Wouldn’t want someones vein to pop..

    appreciate your responses

    Sincerely Jon

  18. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:53 pm18Dexter

    ‘Constant hypersensitivity” about racism… ???

    Wow! You sound like one of those Brexit Party MEPs or an Alt-Right talk radio hate monger. Then theres Boris Johnson and Donald Trump, racists and mysoginiat twats.

    Its unbelievably sad and depressing how “populist” pitkcjans promote racism, endorsing racism and deflect the actions of racists, by trying to imply people are being too sensitive!

    Pathetic.

  19. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:55 pm19Esso

    Cheers H! Quite happy with every word mate.

  20. on 10 Jul 2019 at 8:55 pm20Dexter

    Anyway, have we signed Zaha yet?

  21. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:00 pm21Goonerholic

    Thanks Dexter, but nobody here is a cunt. This is just a demonstration of the populist argument in action.

    Cheers Esso.

  22. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:10 pm22Jon

    Dexter
    Ah.. I see you read the ‘how to completely railroad anything resembling a discussion by only going after the character of your opponent in a discussion 101: for dummies’

    It’s a mind opener..
    Like step 1: Assume that your opponent is a horrible person

    If the opponent disagrees, it proves that he IS a horrible person and now you can get to feel morally superior. feel that? mmmm…. delicious moral superiority

    Or tip nr. 7:
    Are you losing an engagement?
    Insist that your opponent is a racist, if possible, try to suggest that he is actually hitler..

    Dexter.. I could read you like a damn book.. I’m pretty sure I WAS you at some point in time.. In short.. I have hope, even for you.

  23. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:12 pm23Jon

    Aah.. populism.. I sure feel popular right now.. You have not made a single good point between you..

  24. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:14 pm24Goonerholic

    So him saying to you the same sort of stuff as you were pointing at me makes you the moral winner?

    Interesting, and well deflected discussion of racism, if I may commend you for anything.

  25. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:18 pm25can't be arsed

    apologies ‘hol
    seems there’s been a major treacle stout leak/theft

    check yer inbox

  26. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:19 pm26can't be arsed

    perhaps
    short term

    open a window

  27. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:25 pm27Jon

    Goonerholic
    I thought I made it pretty clear that I had seeded the moral high ground? I did resort to a bit of self aggrandisement.. Happens to the best of us.. So it is bound to happens to me right? 🙂 since i’m the best of us.. get it ? humour.. fun.. COYG

    Anyway, I can’t figure out what that last reply was supposed to mean, sorry..

  28. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:26 pm28Bathgooner

    With you 100%, Guvna. Something nasty happened to make an Arsenal youth player leave the pitch in tears. Either our lad or the Tunisian is lying. I know whom I believe. St Galen’s response is disgraceful. UEFA should investigate. It’s another test for them. Talking the talk is easy. Walk the walk.

  29. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:27 pm29Goonerholic

    My inbox is decidedly empty, cba?

    Good point about the window. It is done.

  30. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:33 pm30Jon

    Sorry, correction, I never seeded the moral high ground.. I begrudgingly realized that I would not stand a chance against someone who is so used to claiming it that they probably live there.. So I just let it go

  31. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:46 pm31Goonerholic

    Thank you Bath. It’s quite right that UEFA should make the final call. It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the evidence strongly suggests.

  32. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:55 pm32bt8

    St. Gallen’s desperately needs a PR makeover, is all I can add.

  33. on 10 Jul 2019 at 9:59 pm33bt8

    Not just a PR makeover though. An attitude makeover too.

  34. on 10 Jul 2019 at 10:00 pm34Dexter

    Mr H

    I respectfully disagree mate.

    I

  35. on 10 Jul 2019 at 10:07 pm35Dexter

    Anyone seen the Blues Brothers movie?

    For some strange reason this scene sprang to mind…

    https://youtu.be/CPks6vvjIwg

  36. on 10 Jul 2019 at 10:30 pm36Cynic

    Thanks Dexter, but nobody here is a cunt.

    You learn something new every day!

  37. on 10 Jul 2019 at 10:30 pm37bt8

    Well worth the effort to make this post, ‘holic. Osei-Tutu made a very serious accusation which the player, club and Jon here appear to have brushed away as inconsequential. Well, it’s not.

  38. on 10 Jul 2019 at 10:40 pm38Cynic

    Seeded?

    Tut.

  39. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:02 pm39bt8

    Ye olde fixture list says later this week we will be heading off to Colorado to meet up with their rapid dicks. I started to wonder if Silent and Absent Stan will be there but then figured nah, probably not.

  40. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:05 pm40Dexter

    36…

    😀

  41. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:06 pm41Jon

    Ceded*
    Awhoops

  42. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:10 pm42can't be arsed

    36
    indeed

    has all my bullshit here died in vein*
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *vain

  43. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:12 pm43Trev

    Well said, Holic !

    Carefully considered and balanced in my eyes.

    No idea why a lad making his debut for a new club, albeit on loan, would deliberately lie about being racially abused and force himself to walk off the pitch in tears, in front of those he is hoping will be his new supporters.

    Not sure what Jon has “seeded” that moral high ground with.
    Must be what they are smoking over there in Jon-land.
    Think he might have had a whiff too much already.

  44. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:20 pm44can't be arsed

    ah now trev
    come on

    “i dunno what he’s smoking”
    .
    .
    you’re very clever
    insult the man
    iffin ye wanna
    but
    do it don’t not do it

    .
    .
    i for one have sent flowers
    it’s a difficult time
    .
    i’m a wonderful human being
    in that regard

  45. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:33 pm45can't be arsed

    cos
    “in many ways ,
    my dear people ,
    aren’t we all a little bit jon
    from time to time ”

    (1939 – 45 springs to mind )
    .
    .

    so
    politeness and understanding
    i feel is the order of the day

  46. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:51 pm46can't be arsed

    .
    .
    .
    (oooooh – i bet he likes order)

  47. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:54 pm47can't be arsed

    .
    .

    talking to oneself
    achieves nothing
    elephant man head

  48. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:55 pm48can't be arsed

    .
    .
    .
    .
    honestly

  49. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:56 pm49can't be arsed

    i’ll struggle to drag my enormous brain to the half ton

  50. on 10 Jul 2019 at 11:57 pm50can't be arsed

    i will

  51. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:00 am51can't be arsed

    .
    not we my back

  52. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:01 am52can't be arsed

    .
    .
    .
    an these feet

  53. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:07 am53can't be arsed

    .
    has all the political stuff gone ?
    .
    no place for it , here

    .
    .
    i fancy a tune
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZZVD__ZhB0&app=desktop

  54. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:15 am54can't be arsed

    oh right
    it has all stopped

    .
    interesting bit of news for
    the doctors out there
    “I really wanna see those GPs folks ”
    “I really wanna see those GPs”

    my face got infected
    like custard creams threw atta steak

    .
    very painful
    and
    yeah

  55. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:17 am55can't be arsed

    my own fault
    but
    yeah
    i suppose

    deflection achieved

  56. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:40 am56can't be arsed

    but
    in the non political
    forum
    that is here

    i’ve just put on 3 gallon brews

    none of them orange
    ?

  57. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:45 am57can't be arsed

    2 rosé type wines
    easy and cheap
    (near impossible to homebrew a red from accessible ingredients)
    and
    a strawberry wine
    which i’m guessing will be my favourite

    they’re all bubbling away already

  58. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:50 am58can't be arsed

    it’s a lotta noise and effort
    reduced to the not that noisy noise
    of the new wee bubblers

    but it’s so satisfying

    .
    .
    just a month and its done and tasty
    6weeks it’s lovely
    2 months it’s gone

  59. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:53 am59can't be arsed

    i do gallon batches
    experiment an shit

    it’s really fascinating

    how quick people slurp it

  60. on 11 Jul 2019 at 2:08 am60can't be arsed

    to bed
    good evening
    “This bullshit kills fascists”

  61. on 11 Jul 2019 at 2:59 am61North Bank Ned

    What cba said @1 and ‘Holic in the post. No place for racism anywhere in the game or elsewhere.

  62. on 11 Jul 2019 at 6:57 am62TTG

    Strange that in his first game Osei- Tutu should leave the pitch in tears on a day when he must have been keen to make an impression . Bochum have joined Arsenal in condemning this so as a magistrate I’d suggest the evidence was pretty clear .
    Racism is endemic in parts of Eastern Europe and is a cancer in the game. It is one of the things that British football has done much to eradicate . It’s never been a serious issue at Arsenal. We’ve always been an inclusive club and as a club from a cosmopolitan area this is refreshing.
    Holic is right to raise this important issue. UEFA have been very slow to deal with it over tge years. I hope the lad can overcome this sad start

  63. on 11 Jul 2019 at 11:16 am63North Bank Ned

    Trouble at t’mill:

    Laurent Koscielny: Arsenal defender refuses to travel on club’s US pre-season tour

    https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48948345

  64. on 11 Jul 2019 at 11:50 am64can't be arsed

    ?

  65. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:01 pm65OsakaMatt

    shocking indeed

    we seem to be playing
    hardball with the wrong
    player

  66. on 11 Jul 2019 at 12:55 pm66can't be arsed

    and shouting it all
    from the upstairs window

  67. on 11 Jul 2019 at 1:39 pm67Dexter

    I think the club have acted appropriately on this issue.

    Seems like Koscielny has been tapped up, has asked to be released early from his not insignificant Arsenal contract in order to sign on with another club.

    Fuck him. We should hold out for a few million, which is what would’ve occurred if he had not acted like a spoilt brat.

    Club captain my Arse!!

  68. on 11 Jul 2019 at 1:44 pm68bt8

    That is our captain we are messing with. If we don’t have a suitable replacement lined up for a player of his age then we are in full rebuilding mode and have been once again caught with our pants down. Should have signed a top quality defender as his replacement last season.

  69. on 11 Jul 2019 at 1:47 pm69Cynic

    Been shit for years, fine him a rolling two weeks wages until we can get rid.

  70. on 11 Jul 2019 at 1:55 pm70Goonerholic

    Some of you think it is ok to abuse a player who has given us nine years of oustanding service and the use of his legs.

    Can’t help but think the club is in the shit if we need to play dirty in an attempt to keep a nigh-on 34 year old with crystal glass ankles.

  71. on 11 Jul 2019 at 2:13 pm71can't be arsed

    thunder T ?

  72. on 11 Jul 2019 at 2:24 pm72bt8

    If Arsenal play a generation of youngsters and finish in the top half this season it would surpass my expectations

  73. on 11 Jul 2019 at 3:27 pm73Dexter

    Holic

    Hes been well paid to do a job. A job hes been pretty ropey at for a while now.

    I’m sick of selfish tears, if he wanted to leave then put in a transfer request, that way he could have left in the right way.

    Cant believe you’re defending his actions?

  74. on 11 Jul 2019 at 3:28 pm74Dexter

    I think tears was meant to be twats!

  75. on 11 Jul 2019 at 3:48 pm75can't be arsed

    no disrespect dexter
    and
    i don’t and couldn’t speak
    for ‘holic
    but 70
    by my reading
    doesn’t defend fuck all
    .

    though i am having a beer

  76. on 11 Jul 2019 at 4:09 pm76Goonerholic

    Dexter, I have been asking for you not to abuse people for 24 hours here. Today it is an Arsenal legend you are ripping into. I don’t know how many times I have to ask for respectful debate in here.

    Three yellow cards and out. There are sites where that stuff is welcome. This is not one.

  77. on 11 Jul 2019 at 4:47 pm77can't be arsed

    ‘holic
    sorry for continually cuntin about here
    but i think dexter
    isn’t really someone who should
    be in yer crosshairs

    *signs own death warrant*

  78. on 11 Jul 2019 at 6:16 pm78bt8

    Nothing I could see on the UEFA website about incidents of racism, St. Gallen or Osei-Tutu but there was a lot of bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo like the text below (sorry for the length copied):

    UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspectors workshop
    Monday 1 July 2019
    UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspectors have met at a workshop in Gibraltar, as they prepare for four-year terms of office following their election by the UEFA Executive Committee.
    Participants at the workshop
    Participants at the workshop
    ©UEFA
    UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspectors have held a workshop in Gibraltar, following the election of the inspectors by UEFA’s Executive Committee in Baku in May.

    The ethics and disciplinary inspectors represent UEFA in proceedings before the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body and the Appeals Body.

    They may initiate disciplinary investigations and lodge appeals against decisions by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, and support UEFA in the event that a party lodges an appeal against a decision by the Appeals Body before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    The workshop was opened by the Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) president Michael Llamas, who underlined the important role that the ethics and disciplinary inspectors play for UEFA.

    During the workshop, the ethics and disciplinary inspectors had the chance to meet together and exchange best practices related to their role and responsibilities within the whole disciplinary process.

    Participants also heard a presentation on the new 2019 edition of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and the 2019 version of the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations, as well as an update on the latest jurisprudence of the UEFA disciplinary bodies.

    The UEFA Executive Committee, the UEFA President, the UEFA General Secretary or the disciplinary bodies may commission ethics and disciplinary inspectors to conduct investigations alone or in cooperation with other UEFA or non-UEFA bodies.

    The Executive Committee appoints the necessary number of ethics and disciplinary inspectors and designates one of them as chief inspector.

    At the end of the workshop, the chief ethics and disciplinary inspector, Chris Georghiades, commended the initiative to organise such an event and thanked the GFA for hosting it.

    The UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary inspectors appointed for a four-year mandate (2019-2023) are:

    Chief disciplinary inspector
    Chris Georghiades (Cyprus)

    Ethics and disciplinary inspectors
    Ksenija Damjanovic (Serbia)
    Dimitris Davakis (Greece)
    Karl Dhont (Belgium)
    Toni Garcia Alcaraz (Spain)
    Igor Gryshchenko (Ukraine)
    Josef Geisler (Austria)
    Jean-Samuel Leuba (Switzerland)
    Amir Navon (Israel)
    Jürgen Paepke (Germany)
    Giulio Palermo (Italy)
    Jan Pauly (Czech Republic)
    Ivan Robba (Gibraltar)
    Prune Rocipon (France)
    Rute Isabel Simões Soares (Portugal)
    Luka Steiner (Slovenia)
    Aldi Topçiu (Albania)
    Peter J. van Zunderd (Netherlands)
    Duygu Yaşar (Turkey)

  79. on 11 Jul 2019 at 7:34 pm79Cynic

    So basically, what you’re saying is … we can’t rely on them bleedin’ forriners to sort out racism.

    🙂

  80. on 11 Jul 2019 at 8:29 pm80can't be arsed

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmbSC9c2ys&app=desktop

  81. on 11 Jul 2019 at 10:49 pm81Chippy

    Arsenal Bloody Arsenal. The Seasons still over 4weeks away too 🙂

  82. on 12 Jul 2019 at 12:12 am82can't be arsed

    i’m on nodding terms with 81
    not him
    the real one

    NODDING terms bitches

  83. on 12 Jul 2019 at 12:13 am83can't be arsed

    .
    .

    NODDING

  84. on 12 Jul 2019 at 12:19 am84TTG

    I come down very strongly in condemnation of Koscielny. I think his behaviour is appalling as the club captain. I’m a big Koscielny fan as a player. At his peak he was an outstanding defender and has given great service but to act in this way is selfish and disrespectful.
    As far as I am concerned he should never play for the club again and should be sold …not given a free. He has forfeited the right to have that treatment .
    I’ve been chatting to a well-placed Chelsea man tonight. I think it highly likely we will sign Cahill for a season until Saliba is ready

  85. on 12 Jul 2019 at 12:54 am85can't be arsed

    howzabout the dirty laundry element ?

  86. on 12 Jul 2019 at 1:03 am86can't be arsed

    Arsenal is a club
    with ins and outs
    like any other
    but
    i think the roaring
    sat uncomfortably with me

  87. on 12 Jul 2019 at 1:05 am87can't be arsed

    i’m sure people will disagree
    .
    iffin ye do
    i don’t give a monkey’s

  88. on 12 Jul 2019 at 1:18 am88OsakaMatt

    I suppose the club reasons
    along the lines of TTG @84

    I imagine Kos thinks he was
    going to be allowed to leave
    last year, got injured (missing
    a World Cup winners medal),
    but came back and gave 100%
    this season. Now the club is
    not sticking to what it agreed
    before and he is upset.

    Too late now, but it should have
    been sorted out a couple of
    months ago.

  89. on 12 Jul 2019 at 1:21 am89OsakaMatt

    I agree with cba@86 !

    Overreacting all round

  90. on 12 Jul 2019 at 1:30 am90can't be arsed

    agreeing with me
    warrants
    a good look at yerself
    ?

  91. on 12 Jul 2019 at 1:37 am91can't be arsed

    been a terrible day
    my eye is agony

    but
    sure
    what can you do

    .

    COMPLAIN

    COMPLAIN

    .
    fuck it’s sore

  92. on 12 Jul 2019 at 1:47 am92can't be arsed

    COMPLAIN

    COMPLAIN

  93. on 12 Jul 2019 at 2:23 am93bt8

    Didn’t Van Persie and Fabregas do the same thing when they were captain? It seems to be a fairly well established Arsenal tradition at this point, excuse me for saying so. The only bad I can see is Xhaka being named captain.

  94. on 12 Jul 2019 at 7:14 am94OsakaMatt

    Surely it’s Mesut for captain!!

  95. on 12 Jul 2019 at 7:50 am95Cynic

    Oh God, the five captains thing worked splendidly didn’t it?

    As pointed out elsewhere, two have left, one is an overpaid waster most would like to see sold, one is perhaps even more unpopular than the waster and the fifth has effectively gone on strike.

    Leadership qualities? I LOL at the notion.

  96. on 12 Jul 2019 at 9:40 am96Bathgooner

    I must disagree with the majority view here once again. Nobody comes out of this well. However you have to ask what has brought to this point a player who has been a loyal servant who has put his physical welfare on the line last season for the club when still in the recovery phase, who has never courted publicity and who is well aware of his responsibility as club captain. Furthermore as far as I am aware he and his people haven’t put anything about this debacle into the public domain. The club’s statement, no doubt intended to make them look tough, makes us look cheap compared to previous administrations who managed things like this behind closed doors and with dignity. For a club that has pissed money down the drain on contracts, player sales and player walk-offs, to behave like this with this player is despicable. Koscielny’s return to fitness was a bonus last season, to become our best defender by season end was a miracle (partly, of course, due to the low bar). Not to have planned his replacement already is crass negligence and is of course part of the reason for the stance of whoever are party to creating this mess. We are observing the death throes of a fine institution that was worthy of huge respect as well as support. Frankly this is not Arsenal behaviour. Remember where you are and who you represent.

  97. on 12 Jul 2019 at 9:43 am97Bathgooner

    In lighter mood, tees ball up on the edge of the box for…..

  98. on 12 Jul 2019 at 9:56 am98Goonerholic

    Bath, every word. Well said.

    Sadly your follow up is now only a pre-assist. 🙂

  99. on 12 Jul 2019 at 9:57 am99Goonerholic

    So here, someone can still have the ton…

  100. on 12 Jul 2019 at 10:13 am100Countryman100

    I don’t look in for a day or two and it’s all kicking off!

    So I’ll have a brief two penny worth on the items de jour (du jour?).

    On the racial abuse towards our young loanee I am totally with the landlord. The feeble excuses of the Swiss team sound like the noises coming from the Labour Party Politburo as they defend the undefendable.

    On Kos I am with Bath. Very unusual for me to disagree with TTG but there we are. It is so out of character and just feels like Kos has been stitched up. I am increasingly growing tired of our clumsy and inept management. Hopefully Freddie and Edu will steady the ship.

    Right, as you were. I’ve got a World Cup Final to prepare for.

  101. on 12 Jul 2019 at 10:15 am101Countryman100

    Brings the hundred up with a rasping Roy like extra cover drive. Modestly raise my bat.

  102. on 12 Jul 2019 at 10:24 am102OsakaMatt

    Well in Sir to C100.

    But I hope you’re not going
    to stomp off like Roy if the
    umpire cuts any more posts
    🙂

  103. on 12 Jul 2019 at 10:28 am103Cynic

    what has brought to this point a player who has been a loyal servant

    Entitlement syndrome.

    If he wanted a free transfer he shouldn’t have signed that one year extension. Simple as that.

  104. on 12 Jul 2019 at 10:28 am104OsakaMatt

    What a player Roy is though,
    stomped all over Aussie dreams
    of redemption.
    Great team display and I hope
    they win

  105. on 12 Jul 2019 at 10:55 am105Barack O'Barman

    Countryman, have some respect and remove your helmet

  106. on 12 Jul 2019 at 12:46 pm106TTG

    I’m still very angry with Koscielny and would counter the ‘put his body on the line ‘ piece by saying he received first class rehab after his injury and did what he was paid to do. He was paid a fortune to play football. We weren’t asking him to go behind enemy lines or qualify for a gallantry medal. He is a footballer who was paid ( handsomely) to play football.
    He writes ( or wrote ) a column in the club programme every home game in which he would remind us all of Arsenal values and our ethos as a club. I wonder who ghost wrote that?
    Nevertheless I think Bath has a point about the handling of this. That early pre-emptive announcement was very un- Arsenal and had Sanllehi’s fingerprints all over it. It suggests a lack of class behind tge scenes. There is a clear reduction in the amount of class behind the scenes .

  107. on 12 Jul 2019 at 4:33 pm107Sancho P

    Rumours Spurs are now offering more than us for Saiba.

  108. on 12 Jul 2019 at 6:14 pm108bt8

    Tickets purchased for next Wednesday’s friendly to be held here between Minnesota United and Aston Villa, and I promise to provide a match report in the drinks focusing on Villa’s potential to take points off Arsenal this season, if anything can be divined from what I see. If not I promise to provide a critical or not so critical report on Villa’s new kit. 🙂

  109. on 13 Jul 2019 at 12:08 am109OsakaMatt

    “the affable beanpole who
    won over fans everywhere”

    That was Crouch according to
    The Grauniad. He certainly
    didn’t win me over.

  110. on 13 Jul 2019 at 2:12 am110OsakaMatt

    Losing Saliba to the Spuds
    would stick in the throat.
    Though I have never actually
    seen him play it’s the principle
    of the thing.

    Testing times for club and
    fans alike.
    Captain wants out
    Capital is low
    Can’t seem to sign anyone
    Can’t seem to sell anyone
    Calamities abound, the right
    is weak, the left cannot cross
    and the centre cannot hold

    Masterly inactivity? Faith in Raul
    and the gang is low just now, I
    hope it’s like The Flashing Blade
    and everything will be ok in the
    end.

  111. on 13 Jul 2019 at 4:30 am111OsakaMatt

    Though now I think about it,
    the Spanish lost at the end of
    The Flashing Blade.
    So not exactly like that then.

  112. on 13 Jul 2019 at 12:20 pm112Cynic

    Oh well, any excuse will do…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5Sb9AoirSU

  113. on 13 Jul 2019 at 12:41 pm113Cynic

    That slightly boss eyed French general always gives me the giggles, primarily because of his name, Thoiras (Twarass) which I once proudly proclaimed translated into English as Threearseholes.

    I was only about seven at the time.

    It still makes me chuckle because I’ve never grown up.

    End of nostalgia…

  114. on 13 Jul 2019 at 1:12 pm114bt8

    A cavalcade of fast horses and fast cameras coming at me a bit too early in the morning.

  115. on 13 Jul 2019 at 1:14 pm115bt8

    Masterfully written @110

  116. on 13 Jul 2019 at 4:28 pm116Dorset Mick

    I know the mood is a bit gloomy at present, but at least we don’t have the Man U away kit. Anyone seen it?

  117. on 13 Jul 2019 at 6:15 pm117North Bank Ned

    Linen meets that 1970’s wallpaper used for covering uneven walls, DM.

    https://www.footyheadlines.com/2019/01/manchester-united-19-20-away-kit.html

  118. on 13 Jul 2019 at 6:44 pm118bt8

    Ian Wright comes down staunchly in the TTG camp on the Laurent Koscielny situation saying “I love you Laurent but this is a poor decision.”

  119. on 13 Jul 2019 at 7:54 pm119Cynic

    And rather amusingly appears to believe that a 33 year old man would let his agent get in his ear and tell him what to do.

  120. on 13 Jul 2019 at 8:40 pm120Silly Second Yella

    Sharp dresser, Ian Wright

    love it

  121. on 13 Jul 2019 at 8:51 pm121Silly Second Yella

    wright across lo lo land

  122. on 13 Jul 2019 at 9:30 pm122Goonerholic

    Evening all,

    The piece I had originally intended to write tonight will now appear on Monday.

    Have a lovely Sunday.

  123. on 13 Jul 2019 at 11:37 pm123Silly Second Yella

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JACc2aIb9PQ

  124. on 14 Jul 2019 at 1:36 am124can't be arsed

    happening again

    don’t say the n word
    don’t say the y word

    cos them as does are c words

    and …….

    .
    .
    .
    i have to listen to c words
    and
    that’s the way they talk ‘holic

    .
    .
    apologies for not making that clear
    bar me if ye want
    to be honest
    i couldn’t give a shit

    but
    zapping me as some sort of racist
    is ridiculous
    as ridiculous
    as the narrative i was making fun of

    but
    keep fighting the good humourless fight

    pathetic

    .
    i made fun of the whole nonsense
    pathetic
    .
    i even highlighted what i was doing

  125. on 14 Jul 2019 at 1:41 am125can't be arsed

    do you really think
    a man of my age
    knowing where i’m from
    knowing what i’d just said earlier
    would come out with that

    to be taken at face value

  126. on 14 Jul 2019 at 1:51 am126can't be arsed

    gallows humour
    is completely the wrong phrase people jump to
    it’s realising fraudsters
    fake outrage and such regarding racism/sectarianism/whateverism

    .
    pour more beer into loads
    and the nazi appears

    my experience
    and
    the words i was typing in

    but
    batter you on ‘holic

    .
    maybe i didn’t explain it properly
    i normally don’t explain fuck all

    but

    seriously

  127. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:00 am127can't be arsed

    i honestly don’t give a fuck
    what fuckin colour people are
    unless they’re a fuckin tory
    and then
    and I think justifiably then
    i’ll respectfully deny them
    access to the goodwill in my heart

    .
    .
    .

    maybe it wasn’t clear
    my original message
    maybe it was a bit alf garnet not getting it

    .
    .
    but
    it annoyed me
    .
    .
    .
    .
    feel free to zap all this
    iffin ye like

    .
    ya fucker

  128. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:07 am128can't be arsed

    probably the blacks made you do it
    or the paddys
    or the jews

    they’re like that
    they have a club
    ?
    .
    we’re all shifty as fuck

  129. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:26 am129can't be arsed

    *Scottish people press nose against window*

    “…but … but ”
    .
    .
    .
    .

    “no, Scottish people , work on yer discrimination and get back de us”

  130. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:29 am130can't be arsed

    .

    “..but …. but ”
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .

    “pray SILENCE for the Welsh ”

    *taps Mic*

    .
    .
    “the Welsh”

  131. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:39 am131can't be arsed

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FBvP8o35CA&app=desktop

  132. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:45 am132can't be arsed

    “universally loved ”

    (post google)

    .
    “BACK OF THE QUEUE !”

  133. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:51 am133can't be arsed

    .
    .
    .
    “now
    who else is there ?……”

  134. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:57 am134can't be arsed

    .
    .
    “mmmmmmmmm?”

    “mmmmmmmmmmmm?”

    ” the spirits are foggy this evening”

    .
    .
    .

    “I’m getting an E “

  135. on 14 Jul 2019 at 3:03 am135can't be arsed

    .

    “is there an E in the room?”

  136. on 14 Jul 2019 at 3:29 am136can't be arsed

    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .

    this is your house ‘holic
    and it’s kept me sane
    manys a time

    and i apologize if i’ve offended anyone
    well that’s a fuckin lie for a start
    some o you fuckin herberts need offending
    but you’ve been a good friend to me Dave
    so sorry

    and
    maybe
    i’ll take a wee break

    (until the rest o you hillbillies catch up with my genius – i can’t say good looks anymore cos my face is a mess just now and likely gonna stay a version of that )

    the Donegal women weep

  137. on 14 Jul 2019 at 3:36 am137can't be arsed

    they don’t
    but doesn’t stop me imagining they do

  138. on 14 Jul 2019 at 3:38 am138can't be arsed

    *hears distant whispers*

    .
    I’ll take that

  139. on 14 Jul 2019 at 3:43 am139can't be arsed

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s47yDAWSLOc&app=desktop

  140. on 14 Jul 2019 at 4:09 am140can't be arsed

    I’ve never been to America
    don’t think i’m allowed in

    ahh well
    the land of the Roy Orbison pilgrimage
    is missing out on my
    reluctance to spend more money than i deem adequate

  141. on 14 Jul 2019 at 4:31 am141can't be arsed

    .
    the foolish short sighted fuckers

  142. on 14 Jul 2019 at 4:42 am142can't be arsed

    i’d a dropped large
    to use out of date
    inappropriate parlance

  143. on 14 Jul 2019 at 4:52 am143can't be arsed

    booooom

  144. on 14 Jul 2019 at 4:55 am144can't be arsed

    tires me to the back tits
    all this shit
    really does

    .
    .
    “What say you girls?”
    .
    .
    .

    *disaffected moo*

  145. on 14 Jul 2019 at 5:00 am145can't be arsed

    *puts tuppence in flounce meter*

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj4UFqKG5YI&app=desktop

  146. on 14 Jul 2019 at 5:19 am146bt8

    Extra time penalty save by Vito Mannone brings home the points tonight

    Believe it or not

    cba you probably will go in the not category but Cheers!

  147. on 14 Jul 2019 at 5:22 am147bt8

    Injury time to be perfectly accurate

  148. on 14 Jul 2019 at 5:33 am148can't be arsed

    dunno what that means 8ball
    but sure nobody has a bastardin clue
    what i mean most of the time
    but i’m fucked off at the minute
    really
    i really am

  149. on 14 Jul 2019 at 5:39 am149can't be arsed

    i enjoy here
    im not a daisy
    i’ve lived a life
    but even this
    is creeping up on me justifying myself
    and that makes me boke

  150. on 14 Jul 2019 at 5:45 am150can't be arsed

    non face to face is difficult
    when conveying stuff deeper than a puddle is concerned

    it’s fuckin tiresome

    cover everything with winky emojis
    make it pointless
    seems to be the only solution
    to people not getting it

  151. on 14 Jul 2019 at 5:54 am151can't be arsed

    tiresome

  152. on 14 Jul 2019 at 6:24 am152can't be arsed

    might retire my arse
    tip toeing through the tulips
    is really tedious

    holy fuck

  153. on 14 Jul 2019 at 11:20 am153TTG

    The epicentre of the world is Lords today

  154. on 14 Jul 2019 at 11:35 am154Cynic

    Indeed it is. Made me chuckle when I saw all the “What about the F1 and tennis?” stuff.

    The F1 will be over after the first corner, as always, so people who want to watch the interesting part of that will miss two balls max of the cricket.

    Tennis? Wimbledon hasn’t been the same since it went over to the yellow tennis balls. What happened to the “all white” rule?

    (Bit of comedy racism there for cba) 😉

  155. on 14 Jul 2019 at 2:47 pm155OsakaMatt

    241 to win. Down to bottle
    then – let’s hope we have
    some.

  156. on 14 Jul 2019 at 5:30 pm156OsakaMatt

    I wanted Hamilton, Federer
    and England to win.
    Hamilton is in, but the other
    two are looking iffy.
    Though I must admit I didn’t
    watch more than a minute
    of the F1 so Cynic was indeed
    cynically right there 🙂

  157. on 14 Jul 2019 at 7:34 pm157OsakaMatt

    Two out of three ain’t bad.

    But turns out Cynic was
    wrong!
    You only need to watch a couple
    of minutes of cricket too.
    Though that wasn’t cricket as I
    know it Jim.

  158. on 14 Jul 2019 at 7:36 pm158Cynic

    Heartbreaking way to lose a final but still

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4uivPpzCGo

  159. on 14 Jul 2019 at 7:41 pm159Countryman100

    What a game. What. A. Game.

    Pure drama, skill and entertainment. Incredible.

  160. on 14 Jul 2019 at 9:19 pm160Chippy

    In the immortal words of The Jam.fuck me that’s Entertainment ??

  161. on 15 Jul 2019 at 4:29 am161OsakaMatt

    Well, back to Arsenal after all the
    excitement of the new super
    overs and super tie breaks

    I can report there is super fuck all
    happening

  162. on 15 Jul 2019 at 5:12 am162North Bank Ned

    This isn’t a good look for the shirt:

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-48980959

  163. on 15 Jul 2019 at 7:55 am163TTG

    What a wonderful sporting occasion yesterday . I’ve lived through 1966, the Rugby World Cup and some wonderful Arsenal moments but that was utterly spellbinding. When you see the sportsmanship and maturity of the New Zealand players it shows what sport is all about and can represent .
    Well done to both teams

  164. on 15 Jul 2019 at 10:01 pm164Countryman100

    The petition supporting #WeCareDoYou has now over 60,000 signatories, including me. I urge you to sign it. It unites all Arsenal supporters. You can find it on the wecaredoyou.co.uk website.

  165. on 15 Jul 2019 at 10:14 pm165Countryman100

    https://secure.avaaz.org/en/community_petitions/Enos_Stanley_Kroenke_-_Owner_Arsenal_Football_Club_fans_unite_in_warning_to_owner_Stan_Kroenke_WeCareDoYou/

    Full link.

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