Why have Arsenal redecorated the Emirates Stadium?
When Arsenal moved in to the Emirates Stadium, they asked the fans to help them ‘decorate’ it with flags. Now, it seems, they’d prefer any colour, as long as it’s red. The club has banned national flags of every description and demanded that ‘only flags in support of Arsenal Football Club’ be flown. This is not, perish the thought, an opportunistic attempt to boost merchandise sales. No, the 60,000-seat ground is turning monochrome because of a fan known as Mete, who has been flying a Turkish Cypriot flag. More than 8,000 people complained about his flag, as the ‘Republic of Northern Cyprus’ is only recognised by Turkey (who knew the Highbury faithful were so politically aware?). So rather than removing the offending item, the club banned all national emblems. How odd, when Arsenal are the United Nations of the Premiership. Good month for … Ricky Hatton Lost two stone preparing to fight Juan Urango. Poked fun at himself with a T-shirt that pictured him scoffing a pie. Michael Rickett
