So Henry finished fourth for the Ballon D’Or. In fact, his all around performances and record breaking statistics in the toughest league in Europe where he has played for an UNBEATEN team has yet to land him football’s gaudiest looking trophy. And this year he is only as good as fourth behind such proven talents as Schevchenko, Deco and Ronaldinho. Hmmm…
Okay, he is in very good company. No question. And perhaps his failure to recreate his EPL form internationally has hurt him, considering that votes are cast throughout the many leagues among individuals that probably all feel that theirs is the strongest. But his consistency in excellence and class throughout his career surely puts him higher than third loser, right?
Wrong. Not to put too fine a point on it, or try and dredge up too many controversial hot-button issues, but if one traces back the winners of the Buffoon, with the outside exception of maybe Ronaldo, there are no winners of color that I can find. There may very well be nothing to that, but in light of the recent occurrences around Europe, and in particular La Liga and the Eredivisie, there’s seem to be cause for an eyebrow or two to be raised. Is it just another area where The Arsenal are supposedly attacking tradition?
Let’s drop that for a sec and move on…
The Arsenal have a curious reputation in Europe these days, and one could argue they’ve always have had one. Every broadcast pundit, especially Fox and the BBC, and numerous internet sites including the blatantly Manure-loving soccernet.com, seem to relish in our sufferings and go missing when it comes to proper appreciation of what we’ve accomplished. Is it me, or is the most basic of praise given hesitantly and with reserve, as if we’re some team from outer space? I would be satisified to write it off as jealousy and sour grapes, but when NOTHING is said about our performance in the second half of Sunday’s game in respect to the vast differences in depth of squad and all the $ that goes with it, except “Arsenal Fail to Close Gap”…well, either they’ve grown bored with expecting miracles from us or there’s something else going on, here. Had it been Everton who had scored two goals through the mighty Blue wall…well, there would have been ten minutes on their determination rather than fifteen on Poll’s blunder and Mourinho’s inability to talk about such a disaster. And then he criticized the FA! Obnoxious behavior, yet untouched by the media.
I was reading through the “Arses” on Arseblog the other day, and one of the members there asked the question as to why The Arsenal has to work extra hard to receive any credit (not to mention for our Fair Play awards, or even a simple f**king call when we’re being hacked to death), and the Mancs and Blues (who have dealt the BIGGEST death blow to the game, in my opinion) merely have to show up. No one had an answer. On Fox the other night, all I kept hearing was how Man U “can’t be written off”. Well, when we were struggling, what were they saying? I seem to remember criticism from every angle or nothing at all. Sure, we do our share here, but we’re supposed to be doing it. Its OUR hearts that are paying the price.
Believe me, I have witheld this article for a year now in an attempt to give myself more time to look at things more objectively. When Wenger received his proper respect for going unbeaten and winning his awards, I thought that maybe things were turning around. Not that I cared, but it would have seemed a natural progression of attitude. But as of this submission I realize that our streak has only made things worse. We’re seen as a multinational squad with an outsider manager and a world apart from tradition, yet we manage our successes by finding young players all over Europe and S. America (and even the US!) and bringing them through our youth squad. Sounds fairly traditional to me, yet all anyone seems to talk about is how the EPL needs to put sanctions on foreign talent. Yet another dig, and you know at whom its directed.
Before it sounds like I want the world to love us, let me make something clear: I realize that we need to bring home some European honors, and maybe have our stars make some real noise internationally before the football community really feels that we deserve the minimal dose of warm applause. But when local London bottom of the table derbies have Sky reporters gushing, and the courageous efforts of our young and multinational squad’s performances are pretty much given minimal lip-service, I have to conclude a few unsavory things.
I ask all of you here, where does all the hatred come from? Is it a simple matter of being so good, yet so different? Is it our black superstars? Is it our odd, professorially mannered outsider manager? Is it our ability to build dynastic dreams from the ground up? Is it our egos that we’ve created to compensate for the EPL’s tepid reception to our success and their often unfounded criticism?
I don’t know, Gooners. But I do know this?I don’t care if we’re ever the darlings of Europe, or if Henry ever gets his Gold Balloon. All I care about is that we play from the heart out and that The Grove becomes a place teams fear to go. Thomas Wolfe said, “You Can’t Go Home Again”…well, let’s just hope he wasn’t a football fan.
22 Responses to “Guess Who’s Coming to Play Football?”
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December 14th, 2004 at 1:23 pm
Very interesting piece…
and very interesting point on the possible racism issue regarding the Gold Balloon!
I will say this… especially last season… I have had friends of mine / associates / co-workers… All say that it is a pleasure, a joy, to watch. The style of play and ease in which we played last year DEFINITELY won over alot of people. We played the beautiful game, we won the fair play league, and we won the league. In my opinion, it was noted. Maybe not to the degree Manchester United or Real Madrid might get lauded, but people appreciated our play last season. Now, they just want to see us fail!!!
December 14th, 2004 at 1:43 pm
Whoa! Charges of racism are not something to be thrown around lightly. Further I believe your assertion needs a fact check.While I’m not sure if you can count Ronaldo or Rivaldo (both winners) as ‘black,’ surely Eusebio, George Weah and Ruud Gullit (all winners) are. But even five would seem somewhat spotty since the award is nearly 50 years old. But really, how many viable candidates have their been? I don’t know, but my guess is that blacks weren’t playing in a lot of leagues until the 70s? Maybe 80s? Again, my knowledge in this area is limited. But I think it is very dangerous to make hints and subtle accusations. I know a former editor at France Football, Scotty, would you like to address your concerns to him?
December 14th, 2004 at 2:08 pm
I found your article very interesting but it sounds like Conspiracy theories than facts. As Rick mentioned, Charges of racism are not something to be thrown around lightly.
If I?m correct, I guess 2 black Africans have won the Ballan D?or and a European born black man had also won it so let not start a witch hunt cause Henry did not win it. Not to forget Rooney won the young players award so I don?t see anything to believe because he ?Henry? plays in England.
Secondly, I don?t for once thinks the media wants us to fail. There is a saying in the media or in England that once you are on top everyone like you and I don?t see any facts to say the Beeb or Sky wants Chelsea or United to win the league.
December 14th, 2004 at 2:43 pm
I hope the “charges” levelled in the piece don’t seem knee-jerk or careless…perhaps there’s no way they can’t appear that way without a full dissertation. And I more heavily site them in respect to the CURRENT climate and recent events. Racism has “enjoyed” a resurgence on a highly organized level with Aragones remarks and subsequent…well, nothing. If there was anyone with whom I would like to address my concerns, it would be the editor of Marca.
The award has glaring holes, and I attempted to relate those holes to not just Henry’s skin color for which NO ONE has made a formidable statement in this or any league other than a few “regrets”, but also to the fringe element in which The Arsenal seems to continually find itself. Those reasons, I maintain, arise at least in part, by another form of prejudice in regards to multinationality. Who’s the golden boy of the EPL, I ask you? Wayne Rooney, and for a few obvious, homegrown reasons. But for all that he stands for so far in his young career, I think much is excused. Understandable to some degree, but another example of the way attitudes originate.
As Stagg points out that, were you to talk to someone about The Arsenal on a personal level, only one opinion can be expressed without one’s nose growing ten times its size. But the media seems slanted. The only thing I can imagine is that The Arsenal are not “embraceable” on a variety of ugly, old guard levels as well as some new xenophobic and racist ones.
I know the EPL history runs deep, and ManU has firmly held a legendary place and therefore an argument could be made that they are forgiven continuously because of it…because in some way they’ve EARNED it. But when Wenger is brought before the FA for accusing, of all people, RVCheatleroy of being a cheat, and Mourinho waltzes in with his tailored suits and Bond-like looks and accuses the FA of silencing its detractors…well, there’s some improper weight being thrown around.
I apologize for having not called out Weah, Gullit and Eusebio…and I’m not sure how many viable candidates there were. But this I know: Thierry Henry was called a black shit by a prominant European delegate of the game and nothing came of it. And so far in his career he’s been ignored for this honor (such that it is), and now places, interestingly, beneath Deco. Yes, racism or some other kind of “ism” or “phobia” is difficult to talk about without irrefutable evidence or appearing as a “card”, but sometimes you just have a hunch its there.
I hope I haven’t offended anyone by my article. My intention was to merely raise the issue of “difference” and how it relates to the media’s treatment of a very “different” type of Champion in the “modern era”.
Provocative subject matter and allegations, I agree, right down to the title. But I have to believe somewhere in my heart of hearts that there’s truth to it.
December 14th, 2004 at 2:54 pm
Its not so much that the media wants any one team to win or fail…in fact, to fault “the media” is a slippery slope since they often just reflect the attitudes and thinking trends of the public. But there is something to certain details that are brought out in a story, and others that left out. Or an enthusiasm in a pundit or commentator.
I very often hear The Arsenal being discussed in a way foreign teams are discussed. Its as if, as I said, Wenger has created a hybrid in which the EPL and all of those who love it in the media, will never really see as one of their own. Its not a facts things, necessarily…more of a gut feeling. Conspiracy, indeed. I suppose I could start pokind the age old arguments of SAF’s hypocrisies, and the fact that much of what occurs in the league is ignored when it comes to certain teams and individuals. But maybe I’m more interested in speculation and projection. Forgive me if it comes off asobnoxious.
I appreciate your comments.
December 14th, 2004 at 2:59 pm
deco? what a joke. all that guy did in euro 2004 was fall over. decent passer and decent set-piece kicker. thats it.
henry doesn’t need to win the balloon d’or, whatever it is, we all know how important he has been for us. and as he says himself, its what the teams wins that matters.
it would be nice for him to get what he deserves though. however he’ll need to step up his game in the latter stages of champions league this year, if he had done that last year i think he may of won it. he didn’t turn up against chelsea home or away.
December 14th, 2004 at 3:15 pm
There is no harm in asking “the question”… it is thru healthy debate and discussion that such “isms” can be erased in future generations…
I don’t think Scotty levelled a racism charge… he just pointed out the possibility…
December 14th, 2004 at 4:09 pm
Thanks, Stagg. Seems there’s never a good time or way to talk about it. Other than the outright abuse we’ve recently witnessed, particularly at Arsenal, its more about a TONE in the media and in football regarding our team and manager that’s very real, but difficult to define.
I agree with Rick that its a dangerous area…but I’m a dangerous man. ;^|
December 14th, 2004 at 4:27 pm
I think you can easily make an argument for Deco. His club team won the treble, then his national team went to the finals of a major tournament, then he changed club teams and that team (Barca) is absolutely tearing it up. This guy has been a major player on three teams that have been wildly successful. Is he better than Henry? I don’t think so but I understand how someone could make the argument.
December 14th, 2004 at 4:27 pm
By the way, clever title Scotty, I just got it.
December 14th, 2004 at 4:27 pm
You raise a great many interesting points, and I certainly agree with you on media bias. How can so many people appreciate watching Arsenal play football and still hate the team. Its not like we kick the sh!t out of people to win a game (ManU).
As far as Henry is concerned, I’m not just disappointed, I’m disgusted. He is hands down the world footballer of the year. Only one, in my opinion even comes somewhat close (Ronaldinho). This European goals crap is just that, crap. Someone who plays for Real Madrid could go scoreless in La Liga and score 4 goals in European competition and be up for the award - and probably win it. That’s worse than a joke - its disgusting.
December 14th, 2004 at 4:44 pm
For starters, he the writer said there are no winners of color that I can find. So why don?t you check your source and facts first. ?I was reading through the “Arses” on Arseblog the other day? Pls an Arsenal blog will be about Arsenal and nothing else so I don?t get your point there and how do you compare fox sports with bbc or sky sports.
Looks like I will have to ask myself some very searching questions here. Well I’m a bit suspicious about all these conspiracy theories. Everyone loves a good conspiracy theory but this one is off limit. No information or cold hard facts here but this is a conspiracy theory more about no facts but the mother of all conspiracy theories. More and more data until the Internet overload. This is the conspiracy theory to end all conspiracy theories. The pressure inside a space suit was greater than inside a football.
It is up to you the reader to decide for yourself, but I must point out that there are not very convincing arguments not one. Knowledge is power but fiction is a crime.
December 14th, 2004 at 6:27 pm
Very interesting.
I’d guess the main reason Henry came fourth was France’s poor performance in the euros. In the years when there’s a world or European cup that always counts for more than performance at club level. Which is presumably why Ronaldinho - probably the best player in the world at the moment - didn’t win either. And yet, and yet . . . I just don’t know about racism and the subtle, unconscious ways it can operate. As it’s obviously not of the crude and blatant variety it’s difficult to detect it statistically, but I wouldn’t completly rule it out.
Miranda
December 14th, 2004 at 6:48 pm
While Ronaldo and Rivaldo are both mulatto, I doubt that some racist clown would give a shite about it.
December 15th, 2004 at 12:08 am
I’m sorry but I think you’re missing Scotty’s point. He’s not trying to argue that his theories are fact. He’s simply asking folks to think on the questions he’s raised and to discuss their own views on the subject. It’s certainly your right to view the ideas written as unconvincing. Hey, I think we all agree to disagree quite a lot of the time here on this awesome site. However…
…fiction is every bit as powerful as knowledge, and both can be ill used. To polarize the two, especially in regards to what is merely meant to be a thought provoking article and not a overzealous fabrication or indictment, and to dismiss the article as just another malicious conspiracy theory, doesn’t really add much to the discussion. Can you help with some of those missing facts you allude to? That would be great.
December 15th, 2004 at 5:35 am
Nope,
The true fact is Arsenal are the most respected and loved club in England. Of course apart from some Spurs fans, which I understand, and a few northerners we had always been the best club with values and tradition but because football is all about money now and people don?t see the difference between the 6 big clubs. Sad to say but Arsenal have more influence within the crapy FA than United or Chelsea and guess why them 2 not happy with the new FA boss. I keep saying people have to understand the politics of football at times. Not all you see or hear is black and white.
Also you said United firmly held a legendary status in England and that is wrong. That goes to Liverpool. The problem with United, which Arsenal is going through, is simple, once a team reaches the top you see all sort of ?plastic fans? with no idea of the club history writing or saying things, which makes ppl mad. That is not the fault of the media. I blame the Internet for that or web blogs.
When you read some of the ?so-called? Arsenal fans or to say football fans on the Beeb 606 and Big soccer chat rooms, I keep thinking damn, I wish, I could buy a gun for some of these people.
The same way you hear Arsenal discussed in a way of foreign club is a myth. Remember 8 yrs old some people were saying the same about United. They are winning because of their foreigners.
Let me say this again, as a black man and like most of my black folks charges of racism are not something to be thrown around lightly. Is not helping anyone. I remember some people saying the Chelsea fans were racist on Sunday for singing about Vieira. Please don?t let us go that route. Then sooner or later we might not be able even to sing about a white person either. Let cut the PC ness and deal with facts and issues. Is like saying a black person can used the ?N? word but not a white person.
December 15th, 2004 at 5:36 am
Nope,
The true fact is Arsenal are the most respected and loved club in England. Of course apart from some Spurs fans, which I understand, and a few northerners we had always been the best club with values and tradition but because football is all about money now and people don?t see the difference between the 6 big clubs. Sad to say but Arsenal have more influence within the crapy FA than United or Chelsea and guess why them 2 not happy with the new FA boss. I keep saying people have to understand the politics of football at times. Not all you see or hear is black and white.
Also you said United firmly held a legendary status in England and that is wrong. That goes to Liverpool. The problem with United, which Arsenal is going through, is simple, once a team reaches the top you see all sort of ?plastic fans? with no idea of the club history writing or saying things, which makes ppl mad. That is not the fault of the media. I blame the Internet for that or web blogs.
When you read some of the ?so-called? Arsenal fans or to say football fans on the Beeb 606 and Big soccer chat rooms, I keep thinking damn, I wish, I could buy a gun for some of these people.
The same way you hear Arsenal discussed in a way of foreign club is a myth. Remember 8 yrs old some people were saying the same about United. They are winning because of their foreigners.
Let me say this again, as a black man and like most of my black folks charges of racism are not something to be thrown around lightly. Is not helping anyone. I remember some people saying the Chelsea fans were racist on Sunday for singing about Vieira. Please don?t let us go that route. Then sooner or later we might not be able even to sing about a white person either. Let cut the PC ness and deal with facts and issues. Is like saying a black person can used the ?N? word but not a white person.
December 15th, 2004 at 9:38 am
I appreciate all of you joining the discussion on this, even though it is clear that some of you find little or no merit to it.
I had done much research, but am embarrassed that it still wasn’t as exhaustive as it should have been, having made the mistake of regarding the current climate of a more organized hatred in football more worthy of inclusion in my theories. Like I attempted to explain, I held onto these thoughts for awhile, but Henry’s very strange 4th place finish for the Baloon D’Or sparked them up again. What’s been happening lately only made me dig deeper. I do contribute my ideas from what some may deem a remote and outsider standpoint, and I understand that reaction. But I feel the issues are universal, regardless of the distance from where they are applied, and their expression here was fully intended to generate discussion, disagreement and dissection.
Again, its a difficult topic. It touches many untouchable buttons, and in many cases even suggesting something for discussion often gets the messenger shot.
However, I was happy to see that this morning, the Spanish FA have “opened a file on Aragones”. At least the matter hasn’t been dropped completely. Also, Cech is being harrassed by the FA for his comments on Poll. Chelsea are chiming in with the usual “its a language barrier thing”…same kind of argument that often sweeps racism, xenophobia and their closely related undercurrents under the rug and outside of normal conversation.
I will stand by my sense of a bias, even in light of what others have said here. But that’s not to say my eyes haven’t also been opened, and my opinions reshaped a bit. Still, I sense a tone of contempt for our team, have worked to be objective about it, and continue to see evidence of it. Its not easy to point out specific facts on a subject like this, but then again, its a slippery one?much like obscenity and free speech. I guess, as has been suggested, the more we talk about it, whatever side you’re on or however one sees it, is a good thing.
Thank you all for your comments. Maybe some infinitesimal, modicum of ground, regardless of how spurious some of you might consider its impetus, has been gained.
Up the Arse, and the ArseAm.
December 15th, 2004 at 10:31 am
I get what you’re saying, but the truth is the comment about Arseblog only helped reaffirm what I had been thinking. It wasn’t my sole “source”, as I read and listen to as many sources as I can get my hands on and many of my comments are directed at such “media”.
In addition regarding Arseblog, I found it interesting and remarkable that there are many objective voices on there DESPITE their supporting of The Arsenal. Also, many (most?) “arsers” live in the UK and have the added advantage of being surrounded by information from a closer perspective, which I appreciate. Agree with me or not, I like to think that I can tell the difference between someone blinded by allegiance, and a reasonably explored opinion.
Lastly, I posit that cold, hard facts about divisional and hateful attitudes that affect large and powerful organizations are difficult to isolate and identify, and therefore very little is talked about or accomplished to any useful end. This isn’t an exact science, and therefore discussion among many with alternate points of view is needed.
Thanks for your comments.
December 15th, 2004 at 10:58 am
but Deco they must be kidding! Has anyone actually watched him play, he along with Roberto Carlos(last several years) must be the two most overrated players the world has ever seen. Neither one belongs on the final list for European player, or world plyer of the year yet there they are. In every game I have seen Deco play 99% of the game he gives away possesion cheaply then falls over. He makes one good pass a game and all of a sudden he is considered one of the top three players.
I hate these contests all they are is a popularity contest.
ps I have no argument with Ronaldinho or Sheva
December 15th, 2004 at 1:37 pm
The most obvious bias lies in the kind of player that wins: overwhelmingly it’s the showy, flamboyant individualist, as opposed to the quiet and solid team player; and, equally overwhelmingly, it’s a striker or, on very rare occasions, a keeper - both being positions where individual brilliance stands out. Defenders and midfielders, especially defensive midfielders, rarely get a look in, so I suppose the inclusion of Deco represents a commendable attempt to redress the balance. Though not a great player, he did significantly contribute to Porto’s success in the league and CL, as well as Portugal’s performance in the euros. No, not of the calibre of Ronaldinho, Sheva or Henry, but a dependable team player, so for that reason I don’t mind him being there.
It’s CL draw tomorrow. Hope you’re crossing your fingers, lighting candles, sacrificing goats, whatever it takes to keep us away from Barca and Bayern.
Miranda
December 15th, 2004 at 3:55 pm
first of all rick, rivaldo and ronaldo are black, what else would they be. cos their not white are they.