Allan Mabert 
The Gooner has been forwarded an exchange between a supporter and the club’s communications director Mark Gonnella…
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Dear Mr Gonnella,
I was shocked and disgusted to learn through the multi media outlets of Arsenal’s majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke’s major involvement with the UK launch of a hunting channel.
I have been a disabled season ticket holder for many years, supporting the Club, not just because of the style of football but also because of the traditions and values it upholds. This latest betrayal of these values will do nothing to build the Arsenal brand at home or globally. Whilst there is still room for improvement in this country with regards the mindless killing of wild animals for pleasure under the good name of sport, the Board would do well to remember that in this country the culture and attitude is not the same that appears to exist in America. There is evidence to confirm that over 80% of the British public is opposed to hunting.
I hope and suspect that the majority of the Arsenal fan base will find the Club’s connection with this shameful act of glorifying the misnomer that is ‘bloodsports’ abhorrent and totally unacceptable. I never thought there would come a day when I would feel ashamed to say I was an Arsenal supporter.
I am realistic to know that nothing much can be done internally to reverse the owner’s gross misjudgement but the very least that I and many others expect from the Club is a clear statement distancing themselves from Mr Kroenke’s vile activities which bring Arsenal’s name into disrepute.
I am sure there will be an online petition which will receive overwhelming support from the British public condemning this sickening channel.
Please could you inform me if Arsenal have in place an ethical business policy and if this is the case perhaps Mr Kroenke could be sent a copy. Commercially, I wonder how the Club’s current and potential business partners will view this news and the negative publicity it has, and will continue, to generate.
The only small crumb of comfort I could draw on from yesterday’s disclosures is that Aaron Ramsey was brave enough to voice his disapproval. Arsenal is more than just a football club, it is a London institution that deserves stronger and better action from its leaders.
I would be grateful if you could forward this email to Ivan Gazides, David Miles, Ken Friar and Aaron Ramsey. I look forward to hearing from you regarding this important ethical issue.
Yours sincerely, Allan Mabert JP
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Dear Mr Mabert
Many thanks for your email.
As you are aware, at Arsenal we stand for a number of core values as a football club and are fully committed to a broad range of ethical business policies which inform our activities every day.
With regard to My OutdoorTV, Arsenal is not directly involved in any way with this television channel. The channel is owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment which owns a wide range of sports organisations and entertainment businesses.
Yours sincerely
Mark Gonnella
Communications Director
Arsenal Football Club
Highbury House
75 Drayton Park
London
N5 1BU
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