Arsenal and Sobha Realty have revealed a lucrative long-term collaboration, marking a significant milestone as the Dubai-based luxury real estate developer becomes the inaugural naming rights partner for the club’s training ground. Henceforth, the training ground will be recognized as the Sobha Realty Training Centre, which will be the first time we have sold the naming rights for London Colney.
In addition to this honor, Sobha Realty assumes the role of a Principal Partner for Arsenal and secures the coveted position of the official training kit sleeve partner for both the men’s and women’s teams. This multi-faceted partnership signifies a shared commitment to fostering excellence in football and elevating the training environment for players, coaches, and staff associated with both teams.
I am sure there will be some fans that will be unhappy for Arsenal to be partners with a state that has outlawed homosexuality and has an awful human rights record, and the fact is that if I wrote this in Dubai, I could be jailed for 5 years for “anyone who mocks, insults, or damages the reputation, prestige or standing of the state” so I guess I will have to cross the UAE off my holiday destination bucket list!
But our Board has not been shy about accepting sponsorship cash from partners like Rwanda if they are willing to pay well for the privilege, but I am sure the extra income will help us to invest even more in the playing side of the business, and of course they will probably get all their warm-weather training trips subsidised as well.
I am wondering how well our outspoken womens team will take this news, considering that they are very vocal on defending LGBT+ rights and they will be wearing shirts with this sponsor’s name on it.. The fact is that homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and under the federal criminal provisions, consensual same-sex sexual activity is punishable by imprisonment.
I really am interested in your thoughts, but please refrain from religious, racist, sexist or political abuse, or I may have to sentence you to 50 lashes (or placed in moderation, which is worse!)….
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
So People think a country has bad human right just because their laws/ culture is different from theirs, I DONT THINK SO
Maybe it has something to do with the routine use of torture, disappearances, supression of the press and political activism, and laws that discriminate based on nationality, gender and sexuality.
Genuine question, Do western good people have it any better?
What actually does an average citizen influence the government policy and decisions? It’s a question not a criticism as I know nothing about western life and politics outside of tv and youtube.
I come from a democracy country but I never vote because I am given a choice between 3 to 4 individuals who behind the scenes are most likely together.
And if I vote the one I vote for is never in a million years do anything for my benefit or even trying.
And another point all countries that we are told have human rights violations it might be true or it might be western propaganda.
Fair questions, and I agree regarding the illusion of choice in politics.
It is also true that organizations such as Amnesty International are not without their own criticisms and contreversies, but they are internationally recognized and I personally trust their work- but I agree that this does not mean that they should be supported blindly.
Yes I always believed in them 100% without question but the substandard from western governments (the governments only not the people. I find the majority of people like everywhere else are good people who are only busy with their daily lives) has made me having reservations.
HH, thankfully you come from a country where you can freely exercise your right to vote. Hopefully you decide to not exercise your voting franchise, because you are happy with who ultimately wins or are too apathetic to care.
The problem arises when a well organised group manages to rise to power under a democratic vote and then takes action to suppress opposition and ensure they are entrenched in power (eg Germany circa 1933).
A bit late to miss the right to vote after it is gone.
OG thankfully they are usually happy and peaceful bunch even if they are astonishingly incompetent. I guess I can say I am apathetic.
About your second paragraph I pray not to live through that in my lifetime nor do I wish it on anyone.
HH, even in so called democratic countries, gerrymandering of electorates takes away the power of “one person one vote”.
Unfortunately, due to the efforts of some who covet power for power”s sake to benefit themselves, apathy is not an option.
Quite a remarkable piece considering who sponsors our stadium and front of our shirts for so many years !
For those who don’t know Sobha were an Indian real estate company that also are a huge developer in Dubai
Would be interesting to know how many people who are disparaging Dubai have ever been there?
I went with my family at Xmas and it has changed massively
It is also one of the safest places to visit
Other countries and states have different laws and cultures…. not sure why the author thinks this is an appropriate article !
I was never happy with the ‘visit Rwanda’ deal particularly as it was signed only a few months after 12 refugees were shot dead by the Rwandan authorities during a rally protesting about the lack and/or quality of the food they were receiving. This was in 2018 since when we have extended the contract. I can’t comment on Sobha Realty as I have never heard of them. Big business usually turns a blind eye to domestic or political issues relating to countries they’re dealing with. Anyway we already have a long term deal with The Emirates and the women’s team are quite happy wearing the shirt, so what is the difference?
Outlawing homosexuality is not the preserve of the Arab states for the Cathlothic Church for one is on our doorstep so does that mean gay people do not attend a Catholic church? I think not.
For Arsenal Football Club and others it is a question of staying with firmly held principles on such matters, safe in the knowledge that you may have to answer for the actions you take and the company you choose re: Sponsors.
As far as I know the Catholic church is not executing people for their sexual orientation. In fact the current Pope has called for an end to the criminalization of homosexuality. There is still a long way to go but they are at least heading in the right direction, so your comparison doesn’t really stand up.
And no, I’m not Catholic, I’m an athiest.
I am also a atheist, but your comments about the Catholic church “trying” to head in the right direction is puzzling to say the least.
For years they have tried to cover up what their priests have been doing and have swept these things under the carpet.
At least we know where the Arab states stand, unlike the Catholic faith, who still treat women as second class and cover up the horrendous acts perpetratrated by their underlings.
The Arsenal are wrong to have such sponsors in my opinion,especially as they go on and on about equality during natchdays – double standard but money talks!!
I agree with you completely regarding the cover up of abuse, however as the Head of the Catholic Church the current Pope has, in my opinion, spoken well on these subjects, and I hope that this continues.
Personally I’d get rid of the whole thing, but that’s a separate argument.
Ken all deeper thinkers – which I suggest would certainly include ALL we older fans ,who have long known and recognised, the hypocrisy involved in ALL of us who KNOW the appalling double standards in top level football clubs, esp in financial sponsorships and other finance matters – are therefore aware of the dreadful hypocrisy practised by our OWN CLUB.
Continuing to, nevertheless, support a club with rampant hypocrisy at its heart and soul, makes WE FANS all the more personally hypocritcal too.
For balance though, I have long preached that ALL humans, fans and top level players and clubs are hypocritcal too, as hypocrisy is at the core of basic human nature and is worldwide.
Knowing that fact then, we have a personal choice to make; either we refuse to support such a state of being, which applies to AFC, MCFC, MUFC, THFC and ALL clubs everywhere, OR we acknowledge humanitys hypocrisy , allow for it being there(even though not welcoming it) and continue supporting our club nevertheless.
. Which is exactly what MOST deeper thinking , esp older fans do, in practise!
Lesser thinking fans often have no idea that all humans are hypocrites and /or simply dont care. Sigh!
Finally, I very much agree with your description of the CATHOLIC CHURCH, though I refer to its elders and “high ups”, as opposed to its “foot soldiers” who worship through it.
Never said they were. Read what I wrote instead of misquoting. Can’t be all seeing like you.
To be fair I had to interpret a little bit because “Outlawing homosexuality is not the preserve of the Arab states for the Cathlothic Church for one is on our doorstep so does that mean gay people do not attend a Catholic church?” doesn’t actually make sense. I thought you were comparing the outlawing of homosexuality by Arab states with what the Catholic church is doing. The difference is the Catholic Church doesn’t execute people (today), and the Head of the Church has publicly called for homosexuality to be decriminalized.
👍Argooner
So Sobha Realty is actually an Omani company formed by an Indian born entrepaneur, based in the UAE, a small detail but still worth noting. It is not a state-owned enterprise, so it could be argued that there is a distinction there. Not supporting/endorsing it, but I don’t think it’s as black and white as is suggested.
Talking about cherry picking of the highest order. You are inciting unnecessary issues about a privately owned company based in the UAE yet we wear the name of a state owned company from the same region on our jerseys and our Stadium. This article is really a waste of time and space
So why bother commenting???
Pat, To comment and say an article is a waste dof time is simply John Andrews opinion. And JA is a fans site based on opinons.
Whjyever, therefore, should he not comment and saY what he did say if he so desired, which he did!!. It is not for you or anyone else to criticise his opinion simply because you take a different view
. BTW, i ALSO TAKE A VERY DIFFERN VIEW FROM John and think this an important and necessary article, which I actutally PRAISE YOU FOR WRITING.
In fact, I do NOT regard John as one of lifes deep thinkers and THAT is MY opinon.
Jon Fox as much as you regard yourself as a deep thinker, I think you are just a sad old man and school yard bully is what you are. Please keep our conversations respectful. Dismissing someone as a “not deep thinker” isn’t helpful. Constructive dialogue benefits everyone, fostering understanding without resorting to personal attacks.
John Andrews This is a site for fan opinions . The fact that imo you are not a deep thinker is NOT bullying, but simply my considered opinion based upon what you wrote.
Clearly you do not like my opinions, though you are anxious to give your own rude, incorrect and juvenile description of myself -and neithe ris is”constructive dialogue” to use your own words!
I am a 72 year old who is steeped in Arsenal culture and who held a season ticket for 40 years, until age and personal circumstances, involving family, combined to stop me attending again.
I would suggest it is you, not I, who is attracted to attempted bullying!
As John fox rightly said, I believe I do have a right to state my opinion regarding an article regarding arsenal. And I do reiterate my stance on the article that it’s not a piece of news worth writing about.
This is because I think the recent article unfairly singles out Sobha Group’s impending sponsorship of Arsenal, while not expressing similar concerns with state-owned Emirate sponsorships. My criticism of the article doesn’t mean I’m dismissing human rights issues. But an attempt to ensure we maintain consistency in evaluating similar issues which of course is the Emirate’s sponsorship of arsenal.
John, I seems to me that either you dont CHOOSE to or dont RECOGNISE the undoubted fact that almost all such articles on JA – leaving aside the ones purely on team matters- which discuss human values, do NOT give a fully balanced view That does not surprise me, as an older, very life experienced fan , even one tiny bit.
I have long known and many times said on JA and on other non football related sites , that ALL humans are by nature imperfect and are usually hypocritical and therefore partial.
That very much includes myself too and I have no reluctance at all to admit that , as it is a basic truth about humanity. Which as a deep thinker, I have known and been aware about for the majority of my adult life.
Therefore, to overlook that reality, as your original post in reply to Ad Pats article so clearly DID, confirmed my previous view of you as a non deep thinker.
That is why I stated my view about you as being such.
I do naturally support your and also everyones RIGHT to state their opinion and said so, as you have acknowledged above.
Hello Jon, you do have the right to your opinions just as the next arsenal fan on this blog. Infact, I actually do value some of your opinions and insights especially about arsenal’s teams matter. It is actually your interpersonal skill that I find a bit abhorrent. It’s also a quite baffling that, despite your claim about understanding how imperfect we all are, you tend to constantly insult others with different opinions, suggesting they lack intelligence. Your wisdom at 72 years of age should equip you to tolerate diverse views and maybe go easy on correcting people’s grammar, recognizing that a number of folks on here are none native speaker. Let’s practice what we preach about embracing imperfections and fostering a more tolerant dialogue.
John We seem to be reaching a morre tolerant understanding of each other . I can tell that you are an educated man, which I always respect.
As a person who was fortunate to have two caring parents who educated me, not only academically, but also for life skills, I freely accept not being an easy acceptor of laziness, whether that be physically, such as Ozil and Walcott, or in choosing not to fully use ones brain and ,in many cases, writing simply for the sake of writing anything, rather than because we have something of interest to other fans to add.
It is from this perspective that I come and my views on others posts are viewed in that light.
I do not ever choose to correct those whose first language is not English, at least not knowingly so. Nor do I nitpick on others language and intervere ONLY to discern their TRUE meanings.
I like to be able to understand PRECISELY what any poster means – which is why I loathe emojis and never use them and never will – and a growing number of posts,esp from the younger generation today are muddled, ambiguous and easy to misconstrue
That is lazy writing, from natural English users.
Jon, i truly value your emphasis on clear communication and your fortunate upbringing. It’s crucial to recognize that not everyone shares the same privileges. Take me, for instance – I’m a non-native English (Nigerian) speaker who got a lucky break to study in the UK for my Masters and PhD. It wasn’t hardwork but rather an opportunity that shaped who I am today.
Understanding that diverse backgrounds contribute to different communication styles is key. It’s essential to approach these differences with respect, acknowledging that not everyone had the same chances for a well-rounded education.
Our conversations have been enlightening, and I believe fostering an environment of respect for varying perspectives enriches our discussions.
Take care Sir.
JOHN, I SALUTE YOUR OWN INTELLIGENCE GOOD SIR AND APOLOGISE PROFUSELY FOR MY CLEARLY WRONG EARLIER POST ABOUT YOU..
I wish you every success in life and hope we can debate again soon.
There you go Jon – think before you berate others for their lack of communication skills!!
Good to see you apologised as well, maybe we will see a more mellow and non combative JF in the future?!
My congratulations to John as well and wonder if he thinks we will EVER see the elusive Nigerian billionaire make his oft boast about buying the club?
When exactly did you become a priest KEN!
On that Nigerian billionaire, does anyone, you or I included, seriously believe there is ANY real intent behind HIS BOAST to buy us from KSE?
I DONT ANYWAY AND WOULD NOT WANT HIM TO EITHER, even though I am not a fan of KSE
“I am wondering how well our outspoken womens team will take this news, considering that they are very vocal on defending LGBT+ rights”. Interesting!
Do our women’s team speak up against men competing in women’s sport I wonder? Do they care about the integrity and fairness of women’s sport? What about safety as well? Are they fine with 50 year old men getting naked in the female locker rooms in front of 12 year old girls?
The word hypocrisy springs to mind!
Sorry, I must have missed that, when did that happen?
All over, but I’m specifically referring to a girls swimming team in Canada, that has a 50 year male who identifies as a 12 year old girl. He is allowed to compete in competitions with the girls against other girls, and is allowed to change in the locker room with the girls.
Not so long ago you’d be arrested for that, now it’s celebrated!
Ok, so this person doesn’t “identify as a 12-year-old girl”, they identify as a trans-woman, and raced against younger girls as it was an open competition with race selection based on qualifying times (basically, this person’s swimming level was the equivelent of a child’s).
Which changing room should they use? As they have transitioned it would surely be more problematic if they used the male changing room? I guess it would be easier to completely exclude them from society.
The guy is neither a woman or a girl. A “trans-woman” is not actually a woman, it’s a man that identifies as a woman.
I am in complete shock that you have said “As they have transitioned it would surely be more problematic if they used the male changing room?”. So mention about the problematic situation and obvious safeguard issues of underage girls having to undress in front of fully grown naked man.
Of course no one should be excluded from society, but at the same time, certain accommodations should not be allowed. Men should not be competing in women’s sport. Men should not be allowed into women’s bathrooms and locker rooms. Men should not be taking away opportunities of employment, recognition, and monetary gain E.G. men have been winning female beauty pageants, plenty of men have been winning woman of the year in some media outlets, etc.
No longer does women’s sport exist in some countries. It’s now a male division, and a mixed division, which over time if this continues, will just become two categories completely dominated by men.
I have absolutely no issue with how an adult wants to live their life. We only get one shot, so believe in whatever you want, if it makes you happy.
That’s a private issue though. What I am talking about is a public issue. A person’s beliefs should not be forced onto other people, whether it be how you identify, what religion you follow, even what football team you support!
To be honest I think children changing with adults in general is the problem. It is not a trans issue. There are unfortunately a ton of cases of boys being abused by men, and indeed girls by women, in their gender assigned changing rooms (Penn state for one?) Of the US states that introduced the so-called bathroom laws, most, if not all, have reported that they have not seen any increase in reports of abuse relating to anyone abusing said law. Indeed it is far more common that a trans person becomes a victim of crime/discrimination if they are forced to use facilities assigned to their birth gender.
Right, so you acknowledge that abuse occurs then in other situations with adults and kids, so then instead of having more safeguards in place to protect kids, they go in the complete opposite direction and OFFICIALLY, BY LAW, allow men into girls locker rooms under the guise they are a woman.
Because without that law, men would be incapable of pretending to be women in order to abuse children? It actually happened quite often before any of these laws were introduced.
I applaud your concern for children but you’re talking about two completely unrelated issues.
There’s no separate issues here. Children got abused before this trans issue became mainstream, but because of the constant affirmation of trans, governments have legally put kids more at risk of abuse.
It’s not saying all or any trans people are abusers, because these new laws would allow anyone just to identify as a woman to get better access to children.
We think we’re being compassionate to trans, whereas in fact we’re putting women and children more at risk because of a tiny minority of men. The negatives far outweigh the positives.
Jen, 50 years ago a number of universities in Australia, where I utilised their changing/showering facilities had three types of accommodations; men, women and mixed. One advantage of this was to allow single parents to accompany their opposite sex child. Personally I would never let my daughtes or granddaughter go alone into a public convenience, but would take them to a male toilet cubicle and stand outside the cubicle with the door closed..
Jen, you mention “womens sport” as if there are sports simply for women only.
Pray tell us all, exactly WHICH sports they are?
I HAVE LONG BEEN UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT SPORTS ARE FOR BOTH SEXES AND NEITHER SEX CAN CLAIM EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO ANY SPORT.
I would also like to know when ands where any middle aged “man got naked in front of 12 year old girls”.
That would be indecent exposure and render such a diordered individual liable to police action.
I DONT BELIEVE YOU HAVE EVER SEEN THAT HAPPEN , EITHER!
So you have no issue with sports being mixed then, as you’ve stated quite clearly “neither sex can claim exclusive right to any sport”.
So please list what sports elite female athletes will beat elite male athletes?. Cannot wait to hear this extremely short list.
I’m not even going to explain why we have sex and age categories in sport, because it’s as obvious as breathing.
It’s a 50 year old trans in Canada on a girls swimming team. Yes
YES I DO OBVIOUSLY HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MIXED TEAMS AND THAT IS NOT WHAT I SUGGESTED AT ALL AND IS A STRANGE AND WEIRD ASSUMPTION FOR YOU TO MAKE.
What I have an objection to, as an evolved person, is the Neanderthal suggestionthat ANY sport should be for ONLY ONE SEX to play!
PLAINLY!!!
Well if there was a miscommunication, it initially came from you, by making the false claim I said there were sports only for women. It’s quite unbelievable you do not understand what the term “womens sport” means. Especially given the context of everything else I said in that comment.
One shouldn’t need to break down every peice of terminology used in conversation as if they were talking to a 5 year old.
Jon just needs something to shout about and your article gave him precious little to work with. I wouldn’t take it personally.
You referred to”womens sport”. Perhaps you might have considered instead using womens team sport!
That would have been well understood and not misconstrued.
CORRECT use of language avoids misunderstandings
My point is that there is NO sport only for women or for men alone Seems as we are in agreement anyway on that FAR MORE IMPORTANT ISSUE
“You referred to”womens sport”. Perhaps you might have considered instead using womens team sport!”
Seriously?
YES SERIOUSLY!
You are unable to understand the importance of using words correctly, so that ones actual and TRUE meaning is CLEAR.
I RECOMMEND IT’S USE TO YOU
The catholic church has not been facing the right way for half a century never mind heading in the right direction.
The club has to have taken the temperature here of the men and women at the club like we cannot.
It is irrelevant that you are atheist, is that supposed to exonnerate your remarks???
I mentioned that I’m an athiest as I didn’t want people to think I was “sticking up for the Catholic Church” because of my own religion.
Michael, surely you vastly underestimate TIME!
The Roman Catholic Church has NEVER “FACED THE RIGHT WAY, throughout its two thousand year history.
It controls minds by preaching guilt of individuals and is itself profoundly disordered and deeply UNCHRISTIAN, meaning its hierarchy, NOT its worshippers.
Jon, unfortunately too many “so called” Christians adhere more strongly to the teachings of the Old Testament, rather than the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
Ozzie , how depressingly TRUE!
I self decribe myself as being a LIBERAL CHRISTIAN.
But I acknowledge that many who profess to be “Christians”, esp in th hierarchy of the Roman Catholic church, are little more than NEANDERTHAL in their non Christian type condemnation of such as gays, transsexuals, opposition to women priests and bishops and other retrograde “thinking” issues.
I state firmly that IMO such people are NOT actually Christians at all
HAS JUST ARSENAL ASKED THE CLUB?
Quick Admin, give Arteta a call to get his take on this, will you?
You understand that this is essentially a fan site to discuss these issues, not an established news-media company with connections etc, don’t you?
Hmm I’m not sure what your point is exactly. Am I not allowed ogive my opinion because I’m not controlled by the state? Please be more specific….
The original poster asked whether JA had contacted the club.
I was pointing out that this isn’t a news-media company, but more of a fan site, so it’s not your responsibility to contact the club for comment.
I must admit Argooner that I could not imagine that any normal person would think JA would have a line to Arteta. Weird thinking indeed…
That was my point- it was sarcasm.
The second point was addressed directly to the OP, apologies if it wasn’t clear.
Why don’t you ask the club Admin? Pose the same question. As a supporter you are entitled to have an answer or at least ask.
Isn’t our stadium not called the emirates?
And a big old ‘fly emirates’ across the middle of our top since 2006 not screaming Dubai?
But now we’ve had our training ground named by a Dubai company it’s a problem?
We’ve been linked to the middle east companies for a long time now, adding another to the list makes no difference. Even our women’s team don the kits containing “Emirates fly better”, they also play at the “Emirates stadium” and of course, enjoy the player packages the deal comes with, if you know then you know. Best we all just enjoy how it helps our club financially.
Omg what our world has become 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
I would suggest a more tolerant world
Labass.
When one is born, the DNA etc has already been determined – it’s not a choice for an individual to make.
Thanks to technology and science, those who were born “in limbo” with regards to being male or female now have the chance to become what they want to be.
For those of us lucky enough to be born “normal” I’ve always believed tolerance should be shown – but sport is something that should have boundaries due to the different physical aspects.
Perhaps a “trans sex” catagory?
👍ken
It’s not really a good look is it? Us taking such rotten money, but it’s a dilemma all big football clubs are facing. Shall we take the cash and not worry about the scruples. The majority of football fans would say ,Yes please.
It all boils down to an individual person or organisation’s sense of ethics and integrity. At what point do you lower your standards or look the other way for personal gain.
Everyone has different benchmarks or triggers.
It is these beliefs that gives rise to full blown demagogues as Donald Trump.
Corrupting children and confusing their minds then imposing it on countries and nations state as a way of life, surely the fastest growing hypocrisy in today world
Homosexuality is never God’s plan.
Many cultures are against it and UAE is one of those places.
Players are employees. They will get paid from all club sources of income. They should deal with it.
JOHN which God are we taking about? Places in Asia recognise THREE separate sexes which are condoned by their society and their gods I guess. Maybe you should choose a more tolerant god to serve. Or God forbid. Use a little of your God given brain to make your own choices…
Pat you are trying to debate sensibly with a fundamentalist and I wish you good luck with THAT task as IMO, it is akin to trying to debate with a brick wall.
I hold a lotof time for all religions which preach love acceptance and tolerance.
But many HUMANS are insufficiently bright enough to concentrate on the positive aspects that are present in MOST mainstream religions, but choose to focus on the non tolerant parts which they, wrongly, perceive such religions to be saying.
Traditionally, which sexes do you know?
You people like to play god. Goodluck with that.
I’m still struggling to see who is born outside of the 2 known sexes. If you give birth to a child with mixed sex, you’d be worried. It means people only change after birth and subsequently after influence.
I am not deluded. What is right and pure will not change. I am an ‘idealist’, if there’s any word as such.
Because a lot of you support LGBT, we must also join you?
For me it’s not a question who you support or which archaic God you choose to believe. It’s a case of being tolerant to your fellow human beings.
A lot or places were tolerant and homosexuality was a norm or not frown upon until colonialism and missionaries happened and criminalized it. It remained that way until recently in western societies too.
Now that westerners have changed their mind the world MUST follow. Isn’t what John saying the truth?
For the record my position about this issue is that sexual matters whether homosexual or heterosexual should remain in private. I struggle to understand the need to flaunt it in public? Who a person sleeps with we don’t need to know.
Agreed HH
And if we do know we should not imprison them.
You will hardly see any “flaunting” that fact in UAE will you?
Ah PAT! HOW SYMPATHETIC I feel for you in trying to debate with closed and bigoted minds!!
There are none so blind as those who simply refuse to see the need for acceptance of all lifestyles, provided naturally, those lifestyles are legal.
What is the relationship between acceptance and modesty?
My personal opinion I repeat, I do not care who or what a person sleeps with. They can do whatever they wish sexually behind closed doors not imposing it on society (this is to all I repeat, homosexual or heterosexual) to the point of starting corrupting just few years old children who should be enjoying their childhood as we all did.
What do you say about that?
Okay my question is; how do they “impose it on socity” in a way that “corrupts children”. Thats the bit I dont understand….
HH Only people who do not understand that homosexuality is inate but ONLY in gay people, ever suggest gay folk are ABLE to impose it upon society.
Let us, for the sake of argument only, suppose that such a feat WAS POSSIBLE; dont you think that the vast majority of us who are hererosexual would ,IF WE COULD, then instead impose heterosexuality on gay folk instead?
Fortunately neither persuasion has the power to impose itself on those who are NOT naturally of that persuasion.
As if OBVIOUS simply by oberving how society actually IS!
Typical of you old man. Every other person is senseless but you
No John. Just YOU!
And what about another point I made? Were you so accepting Jon twenty to fifty years ago?
You didn’t have any problem with neanderthal when you were as not accepting as they are, why do you impose your acceptance now? WHY?
And speaking of acceptance I want to see men players come out and be accepted but still no, why?
HH I am very glad you asked mt that question and I ONLY HOPE YOU WILL BELIEVE WHAT I am about to say.
From before my teens I was interested in theatre and in my mid/late teens I found I possessed a quality voice suited to singing opera. To cut a very long story short, of necessity, I was thereafter involved from early twenties in a world of theatre and singers where tolerance of gay folk was usual, though mainly, only within theatre folk.
Society as a whole in the still early seventies was rigid , illiberal in the main and gay folk, even though legalised by then in law, still felt as stigma and a need to keep there natural state as a secret and “underground”.
I of course noticed and hated that bogoted cruelty to ordinary folk and thought BACK THEN as I have done ever since, the cruelty of non tolerance of people who were perceived, overall, as being “different”.
People who were not white suffered similarly and were ostrasized cruelly and it is only gradually – AIDED MUCH by top level footballers like Cyril Regis and ou own Viv Anderson and other black football pioneers – that society slowly but remorelessly began to see people as simply people and not as white, black, Asian, gay, disabled and all other totally IRRELEVANT pysical packages.
And our “package” is what ALL humans show to society. A package comes in alltypes, height, skin shade, gender, how we speak, how we dress, how we look,or speak, or write, how we self identify and a host other other unimporatnt things too.
The ONLY thing that matters aboiut ANY human being is whetherrof not that person a a good and caring, tolerant loving person, OR if they are not.
These days in Western culture, a great majority of people accept that creed, although those who do not accept it are not yet “evolved” but still accept racism, bigotry and suspicion and distaste of the “packages” other people show
And we ALL show our individual packages all the time, as it is all that people see, UNTIL they get to knew us personally.
And then, HALLE LUJAH, they realise that almost all people everywhere are simply humans and worthwhile. The task and duty that we evolved folk still have in life is to show non evolved folk HOW to start evolving.
Thank you for asking me HH
Thanks Sir/Ma.
We all know what we are doing anyway. Whatever is it that helps to push these and still make people see them as being right, I hope it vanishes.
Nature is nature. We can’t change it.
There is moral
There is order
There is truth.
Gone are the days homosexuals hide that part of their lives. Please educate me why they were hiding. Please don’t add stigmatisation to it.
There is absolutely nothing I can do to a gay aroumd me. I however can condemn that act.
Let us keep tolerating all wrong vices in the name of tolerating fellow humans. We will all suffer from it.
So you would rather “impose” heterosexuality on no conformist?
Good article asking a good question.
I am glad to see other people starting to think the same as I have been thinking for a long time now.
Sport has always been a target for people who seek power. Money is one, politics is another (example – russia exploiting sport for propaganda for years).
I find I watch less sport as time goes by because I see what happens behind the scenes and it taints it. When a team wins I wonder “Who really won here?”. I couldnt care less who wins the CL final between say Real Madrid and Man City because I wanted them both to lose earlier on in the competition.
These sponsorship deals make Arsenal less attractive to some fans but the powers that be rely on the fact that being a football fan for most people isn’t something they stop doing, like biting their nails, it involves a lot of blind faith and lets be honest a fair bit of blinkered thinking.
And all these pre-season tours to Asia and the USA are all designed to get more fans
on board.
Which means that there will still be fans no matter how much tainted money is used to win trophies. It’s just business now.
These days I’m pleased when a smaller club without an “owner” or “major shareholder” in the picture wins a game.
I drove by a playing field the other day and noticed two teams playing football. There were maybe two people on the sidelines, probably the coaches, no fans. A game being played for the enjoyment of the players and no other reason. Maybe that’s what we should get back to.
Very interesting take Neutral, I travel south America and Canada, see lots of football playing with very few spectators especially in Canada.
But you are right, when you becomes a fan you are a fan for life, coaches, managers and players always moves on but the real fans die’s with the Crest on their heart.
Indeed Gunsmoke – and to the cunning business mind, the “fan for life” of a club is an ideal marketing target.
Isn’t that what football has always been about?
I do take the point that I believe HH is trying to make, when he argues about having attitudes and / or actions thrust upon us.
For instance :
This so called “comedian” who goes by the surname of Carr I believe.
He plays on the fact that he’s gay, but has no natural talent that I’m aware of anyway.
He gets paid enormous amounts of money by making fun of those like him and I can’t abide that kind of sick humour.
Likewise, those who boast about the number of sexual partners they have had – who cares!!
I find it interesting that the women who live together do so in much the same way as most heterosexuals do and yet, it is estimated that there are about the same amount of gay men and women.
I’m CERTAIN that no one is interested in my lifestyle, so why do they think anyone is interested in theirs?
KEN You and I are on the same side in this debate but we describe it differently. It is not that gays or anyone at all should be interested in ANY others way of life, but we all OUGHT to be kind enough to be tolerant of ALL legal lifestyles.
And IMO, a great many people are NOT tolerant of gays and their lifestyle.
IMO that is cruel and non evolved. We SHOULD be tolerant, even though not interested.
THERE IS A KEY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE TWO WORDS. (tolerant, interested.)
Which is another example of WHY I, almost alone,on JA as it seems, constantly preach using the CORRECT words, as otherwise it caused misunderstandings, often among people who both, in reality, think the same way, but who descibe lifestyles either in tolerant OR distasteful manner.
PS; I dont recall a single post where any JA user ever boasted about his or her “number of sexual partners”! Nor do I think that is something gay people usually do.
I agree with your last paragraph Jon and that’s why I understand where HH Is coming from _who really cares what anyone else does behind closed doors, as long as it’s legal of course.
I don’t need Garr prancing around and making lewd suggestions while trying to be funny – in my opinion he’s a disgrace to the gay community by constantly making fun and belittling them… but then I’m old-school and laugh at real humour, such as Fools and Horses, The Vicar of Dibley, Dinner Ladies etc etc.
KEN I too find Alan CARR to be talentless, unfunny and faintly irritating. But he has a right to exist and whatever you and I may prefer, many will like him ,otherwise he would not be invited on to present or appear in progs. TV producers in general know their hoped for audiences better than you and I.
In life no-one at all is liked by everyone. We know that by now surely.
You and I and all others too are fully entitled to like or dislike whoever we wish.
But we have no control over whether they appear on TV or radio or stage.
And, IMO that is how it should be. There is always an on/off button too, esp if ones life revolves around watching TV!
And I use my on / off button every time he appears!!!
I’m not saying he shouldn’t exist Jon, I just don’t want him rammed down my throat as he ridicules others.
I would suggest you are overreacting KEN.
AS YOU HAVE THAT ON/OFF BUTTON, WHERES THE PROBLEM? No one can ram anything down your throat if you dont watch or hear them.
Thats my philosophy anyway but then I dont watch huge amounts of TV,except sport meaning football and cricket, apart!
Just giving my opinion Jon.
Ken, As I said, its my opinion too.
But is it really a big deal or worth even mentioning, given that there are God knows how many TV channels to watch and also that on/off button?
And as for “ramming down ones throat”, that can only ever be achieved by the “rammer” IF you give them airtime.
In life, when as I DO , I get irritated or frustrated by something or someone I CANNOT ABIDE- as happens to a lot us at times surely- than I simply change tack and do something else.
The SINGLE exception to that rule is my own obsession with JA. Sigh!
If you have actually been to UAE you will realise how big of a corporation Sobha Reality actually is and you will also know this sponsorship has probably come through from the relationship Arsenal and Emirates have had as sponsors. If you want to talk problems that the Women or anyone for that matter should have with the sponsorship then you really should have started with the Emirates sponsorship
Insightful comment 👍
These are questions sports fans should’ve started asking a while ago. When the game goes global however you are inviting companies, voices, sponsors, that have values that may not align with yours. Is Arsenal purely a business, or does it have a social responsibility as well to do as less harm as possible and not enrich states and companies that have poor values? And I’ll be very blunt in saying that sexual/gender discrimination is wrong and I honestly don’t care what anyone’s God has to say about it. If we aren’t treating our fellow humans with basic dignity then something is wrong. And many of these middle eastern countries are very guilty of this. (This doesn’t absolve western countries of their many ills either). I think fans do have more power than we’d like to believe, but the sport has be come so global, the internet allows literally everyone to express their opinion that there will never be a consensus. It has essentially allowed clubs to make whatever kinds of deals they want for the sake of money, on the backs of whoever. The fact Qatar World Cup just happened and we all know about the mistreatment the workers endured and people only talk about the games is just proof that we as the human race have chosen products and money over human values. How we can do better is a complex question. Do we just abandon Arsenal until they do the things we want them to do? Surely not realistic and not what anybody wants, so the what is a reasonable approach?
RSH. A superbly wise post with real thinking and solid conclusions about how we humans are, in what you write.
How very much I wish there were far more like you and few fewer, as in NONE AT ALL, like John Legend and his unthinking ilk!
Your points are well made.
People find it difficult to abandon a club they have supported for a long time and that’s what business types bank on when they take them over.
What seems to happen for me, is that over time I gradually care a bit less and a bit less because more and more I get the feeling that money buys success (money that appeared out of nowhere) and only a few clubs can win anything.
Just came across this today:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67497377
It reminded me of this discussion so I thought I’d post it here.
Not just that there are so many clubs now with owners (all EPL clubs?), or that they will take anyone’s money. A big problem is the same people own more than one club.
They even try to own more than one club in the same league by using different company structures to hide it.