Our view on the ill-conceived article by Peter Tatchell

You can read it here.

In the article Mr. Tatchell claims that this item on Arsenal World has encouraged fans to take inflatable mobile phones to Chelsea in order to taunt Cole about his sexuality.

A review of the article will reveal that Arsenal World does not encourage homophobic abuse therein or indeed within any other article.

There appears to be an implication that the mobile phone waving will represent an instance of homophobia in itself. This simply isn't true. We would point out that the kind of activity this alludes to, isn't solely the preserve of the homosexual man. As the esteemed journalist Henry Winter argues in this article, this is a mild taunt in the scheme of things.

Mr. Tatchell mentions the beautiful game, but if he is indeed a fan, he should be aware of offensive homophobic chanting that has been aimed at Arsene Wenger over the last 10 years. This chanting has been widespread from fans of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, but has been curiously ignored. Why is this the case and can we expect to see some comment from Mr. Tatchell on this subject?

He also notes that Arsenal fans have described Cole as a rent boy as a homophobic comment. This merely demonstrates his lack of understanding of the football vernacular. The term rent boy is directed at all Chelsea players. It is not used to insinuate any role in sexual prostitution, but as a mark of abuse for their acceptance of Roman Abramovich's money. Prostitution of a kind perhaps, but not of the sort that Mr. Tatchell refers to.

The article goes on to describe a £20 note with Ashley Cole in 'drag'. Again, this is untrue. Cole's face has merely been used to replace the Queen on the spoof note. There was every opportunity to make a reference to the previously alleged homosexuality in the text on the note. There is no such reference. These notes are not homophobic and yet Mr. Tatchell would have football fans banned for what is a rather peaceful and humorous piece of banter.

We read this particularly line with interest. "To his credit, Cole denied the gay rumours but took the trouble to say that while he is not gay, he doesn't think being gay is wrong or shameful. This is a very commendable stance".

At Arsenal World we would consider that to be the absolute bare minimum with regards to tolerance and hardly worthy of commendation.

It is disappointing that Mr. Tatchell has chosen to attack Arsenal fans and Arsenal World when it appears to he is not in full possession of the facts.

We look forward to his response.