I am Greek Cypriot and I am very disappointed and embarrassed at the actions of some my compatriots that led to the whole debacle of the national flag ban at the Arsenal.

I have had a clear view of the "offending" flag from the first day of the season and I'll admit whilst I was surprised to see it, I gave it no more attention as I was there to watch a football match. I paid no more attention to it until I received an email that requested me to sign a petition to force Arsenal to remove it. I did not sign it. I know people who have signed who have never visited the stadium and are not even Arsenal supporters, and for the life of me I cannot understand why they did sign the petition.

Whilst I obviously know the reason why Greek Cypriots would be offended, I cannot understand why they would raise such a negative profile of the Cyprus situation. It has made the Greek Cypriot Arsenal supporting community seem intolerant, small-minded and petty, something which we are not.

It actually bugs me that in being so petty, they have brought down the harmonious nature of Arsenal Football Club. Arsenal are proud that they have diverse ethnic supporters, and that we are leaders in the Kick Racism out of Football campaign. The actions of those who raised their disgust of that flag can be deemed as racist.

In acknowledging this action, and subsequently banning all national flags, is a blatant disregard of the club's own policies on multi-nationalism and racism. Maybe, Arsenal should have treated those that complain about the flag as they would anyone else who had made a racist comment and kick them out.

Are the club no longer going to print the national flags of each player on the back of the match programme? Are they going to ban away supporters carrying their national flags at European games? I believe that it is a ridiculous situation that the club now find themselves in.

It is important to remember that the club did not put the flag on display and when all the Cypriot flags came out against Newcastle, they did not remove them unless they were blocking the advertising hoardings. In no way has Arsenal Football Club indicated that it supports the Northern Republic of Cyprus, neither has it shown support for any other country. Arsenal is, and should always remain neutral territory. I find it unacceptable that Arsenal has been used as some political pawn by British Cypriots.

Those that have visited Cyprus may have noticed that on every road leading into the capital city Nicosia, you can clearly see the flag of the Northern territory painted on the side of the facing mountain. Greek Cypriots see it, and live with it in their sights day and night. Many ignore it and just tolerate the situation they are living with. It doesn't mean they like or agree with it but they have shown a lot more dignity and tolerance than the small minded few who have complained about that flag.

Arsenal should have stuck with their original action and distanced itself from external political issues. I hope that this situation does not de-stabilise the multi-cultural harmony that Arsenal have enjoyed for many, many years.

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