Arsenal: Weighing in on the Hector Bellerin fan debate

Hector Bellerin questioned those involved with Arsenal Fan TV for revelling when the club lose because they make more money. Here’s what I think about the growing feud between player and supporter.

There is a growing feud among the Arsenal circles. As is ever the case with this tempestuous club and its often melodramatic fanbase, there is another controversy to hit the fan and it is being blown completely out of proportion.

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I am, of course, referring to Hector Bellerin and his recent comments regarding the validity of some fans’ support of the football club. For those who do not know what was said, here is the context.

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Bellerin was invited to speak out the Oxford Union. He spoke for about 45 minutes — the full piece is on YouTube and I would definitely recommend going and checking it out — about a wide range of topics, from fashion to football, racism to mental health. But, as always, there was one particular comment that has grabbed all the headlines. Here is Bellerin on Arsenal Fan TV:

"“I don’t think there are players that actually go on the internet to watch ArsenalFanTV. It does sometimes pop up in your timeline. I see it sometimes. I have friends who say, ‘oh, have you heard what that guy on ArsenalFanTV [said]?’ It’s so wrong for someone who claims to be a fan and their success is fed off a failure. How can that be a fan? I think they’re just people hustling, trying to make money their way, which everyone is entitled to do.”"

Now, the first thing to say is that he is right. The majority of people on the YouTube sensation are fanatical, ungrounded, misguided individuals who are a little foolhardy and rash in their opinions — that is why it is so successful. And it is undeniable that the channel is more successful when Arsenal lose.

Having said that, I do not believe that Bellerin has the right question their fandom, their passion and commitment to the club. These are paying fans, they travel to many of the away games, they have invested time, money, energy and effort into watching and following the Gunners. Even though their opinions are controversial and often contrary to the success of the club, that does not mean that they do not have a right to support the club.

What Bellerin said was wrong. But, and this is crucial, it was not all that he said. In fact, as he himself has pointed on Twitter, he spoke about so much more than just Arsenal Fan TV. And he spoke about it extremely well. He presented himself as an intelligent, eloquent, considered, and interesting young man. He is rounded and fair, and highlighted some key issues that are not discussed accurately and validly in modern society.

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And he did all of this at just 22 years of age. He should be commended for almost all of what he said, not criticised for one comment. He should be praised, respected, and celebrated. Instead, he will be vilified and maligned. His opinion may have been wrong, but he said much more that was right. Let’s focus on that.