Flags banned at Arsenal
ALL national flags have been banned from the new Arsenal stadium amid fears about potential violence between fans.
Club bosses have taken the controversial step after complaints from Arsenal supporters of Greek origin about the flying of the Turkish Cypriot flag at recent matches.
Many Gunners fans are outraged at the ban - which includes the Union Jack and the St George's Cross - but the rising tensions have left the club is in a difficult position.
An Arsenal spokeswoman said: "Some of our fans have been upset with the flying of certain flags denoting particular regions of the world.
"Arsenal as a club prides itself on being inclusive with respect to all nationalities, cultural and ethnic groups.
"We have therefore decided that in order for all of our fans to enjoy their experience at Emirates Stadium, we are asking that only flags in support of Arsenal Football Club, without any national emblems, are displayed within the stadium."
The club decided to act after 8,000 people signed a petition objecting to the flag. But the man at the centre of the controversy, who only wanted to be named as Mete, said he was as upset as everyone else about the ban.
"I'm not political," he said. "I don't want any trouble. I'm just an Arsenal fan who is proud of where I come from and responded to the club's call to help decorate the stadium. "I think it's ridiculous the St George's flag can't be flown anymore, but I'm not to blame. I think everyone should be allowed to fly their flag - Greek, Turkish or whatever - but I dug my heels in because of all the abuse I received."
Earlier this season Arsenal became the first club to field a team made up of 11 different nationalities, and many supporters are upset the players' national flags can no longer be displayed.
Season ticket holder John O'Connor, 54, who grew up in Goswell Road, Finsbury, and has been watching Arsenal for more than 45 years, said: "We've got the most multi-national team in the country and we are banning all their flags. It's absolutely ridiculous. Next they'll try to ban us shouting at the ground in case it offends someone's ears."
A statement from fans group REDaction said: "While we understand the reasons for the decision we believe this is political correctness gone mad.
"It is another nail in the coffin of the tradition of football support in this country and is another example of Arsenal football Club continuing to attempt to prevent any kind of atmosphere at the stadium."
Artun Goksan, editor-in-chief of the London Turkish Gazette, said: "The flag is controversial because Greek Cypriots think it's an unrecognised state and an unrecognised flag. They believe that their country was invaded by Turkey, that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was formed illegally and that the flag is illegal.
"Turkish Cypriots should be able to fly their flag but not, in my opinion, at Arsenal. You are going there to watch the match, not to cause controversy and cause a fight. Arsenal has done the right thing.
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