Against half and half scarves

An Emirates double header signals a new season, but some things don't change...

I started this Substack account with the proviso that I only post when I’ve got something to say.

I didn’t write anything last week because I was on a wonderful staycation week in Alan Partridge country, aka North Norfolk. It’s a long season, and it’s so important to recharge the batteries (not least by driving a tractor.)

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I returned, fully refreshed, full of the joys of experiencing one of the most beautiful yet underrated parts of our fine land - as Partridge might say (as well as stuffing my face with gorgeous seafood).

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So, on Sunday, I made my way along to the Emirates, to cover the Arsenal women and Arsenal men in their double header against Chelsea.

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You can read my take in the Morning Star newspaper on the women’s game here

Layth @laythy29

ICYMI: @ArsenalWFC 2-1 @ChelseaFC. My match report from the Emirates as Arsenal academy starlet Freya Jupp shines for Arsenal Women

Morning Star @M_Star_Online

Women’s football: Gunners leave it late to see off WSL champions https://t.co/vIeoQWrqfj https://t.co/biDzq4WR0y

And the men’s game here

Layth @laythy29

My report from the Emirates @M_Star_Online here ⬇️

Morning Star @M_Star_Online

Men’s football: Defensive mistakes cost Arsenal against Chelsea https://t.co/xpEBPBpWA1 https://t.co/VMr8oTzzoB

Suffice to say my highlight of a hectic afternoon was watching the sheer exuberance from Arsenal academy starlet, the precocious 17-year-old Freya Jupp. Remember the name.

Layth @laythy29

Right. That's me done here at the Emirates. See @M_Star_Online newspaper for my take on both the Arsenal men and women's fixtures against Chelsea. My highlight of the day? Freya Jupp. Remember the name

Judging by my timelines, both personal and public, it was wonderful to note the relish that so many loyal Gooners had in returning to the Emirates.

More on that with our first Premier League home game of the season later this month, but, despite the men’s result, it was great to see so many good people savour their day out in N5 after so long.

Layth @laythy29

Rain starts to fall in north London but it doesn't dampen the crowd as they chant 'Arsenal/Arsenal/Arsenal' with many here at the Emirates for the first time since March 2020 and savouring every moment after a challenging 17 months

Layth @laythy29

Arsenal supporters here at the Emirates sing: 'Stand up if you hate Tottenham' including all the youngsters in front of the press box. Good to get them early some might say. I couldn't possibly comment...

Zero Tolerance for Half and Half Scarves

On a separate note, as anyone who knows me will attest, I hate half and half scarves.

Quite why you’d want to wear the name of another team around your neck is anyone’s guess. And please don’t tell me it’s a souvenir of your day out.

Layth @laythy29

Such a busy afternoon at Arsenal I forgot to tweet this picture earlier. Zero Tolerance for Half and Half Scarves for Season 2021-22 starts here

You want a souvenir, buy a match programme. Buy a fanzine. Buy the local newspaper. Support local independent stores around the ground. Frame your digital match ticket if you have to. Buy a shirt even. Just don’t buy a half and half scarf.

You wouldn’t wear a Chelsea scarf would you? So why wear an Arsenal scarf with the word ‘Chelsea’ or ‘CFC’ on it?

You’ll be hearing a lot more on this subject through the season, but for me, wearing a half and half scarf epitomises the worst in modern day football.

It’s fake, it’s inauthentic, it’s passionless, it’s banal and it’s blandly corporate.

It also makes you look like a c*ck.

The revolution starts here.

@laythy29