I am writing in response the piece published on the website recently about the issue of standing. As a lifelong Arsenal fan, and for the past three seasons a matchday steward, I found Doktor Schneide’s mock Arsenal official message quite hilarious. Particularly his comment criticising stewards who “are selected from that fine group of people that wish to get into the ground for nothing and hopefully see the game”, from which I unashamedly come.

Yes that is my sole reason for working there and I would quit in a heartbeat if moved from my cushy upper tier spot to somewhere I could not see the game. I would also quit if put on the segregation line, in with the away supporters, or in with some of the more troublesome areas of Arsenal fans. All of these places would increase my workload and reduce the amount of time I can spend purely watching the match as a supporter (probably about 95 - 98% of the game I would say). I do get sick of some of the rules and don’t enjoy telling people to sit down (although I rarely have to in my spot), stop smoking, no drinking within view of the pitch etc. However I do so as part of the job, a sacrifice if you will, for being paid to watch the game. I am after all a paid employee albeit not a very diligent one. Would Dr Schneide rather the stewards had no interest in football at all and were purely doing it for mercenary reasons? Surely this would lead to less understanding between the stewards & fans. I know what the fans are going through when they are asked to sit or the emotions they experience during a roller coaster match, so this assists me in my interaction with them!

Stewards are not the enemy! It is also a rather obvious fact, that some people have their enjoyment spoiled by those who continually stand: the elderly, children, short people etc. - who are equally entitled to enjoy the game. As a wider point, football is one of the few areas in which grown men can act like spoilt kids and get away with it. Obsessive, childish, aggressive behaviour is almost encouraged. The man who has spent tens of thousands on attending every match for 25 years home and away is held in high esteem rather then derided as a bit of a loser... as he would be in any other walk of life. The person who continually bleats on about obscure conspiracy theories, whether it be about the press, referees, opponents targeting our players, is not ridiculed as he should be, but his (obviously biased) views are given credence and his bitterness nourished.

*Ed’s note – for those who did not receive the email, it can be read here