Has the time come for Arsenal supporters to boycott?

By Chidozie Ehirim

Editor

Following Arsenal's shambolic 4-0 collapse against Liverpool on Sunday, there have been renewed calls for significant change at the Emirates. 

Defensively, Arsenal were far from organized and played right into Liverpool's hands, with pace and penetration proving to be the undoing of The Gunners. 

After three games, Arsenal find themselves languishing in 16th place. The season has only just begun but the start of their campaign has been disappointing to say the least.

Palpable frustration

The defeat to Liverpool was their second in a row with their only victory, a hard fought affair against Leicester City. The defensive side of Arsenal's game has been of grave concern to fans and pundits.

In the days following the loss at Anfield, it appears that all is far from well at Arsenal. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is currently eager to move, ironically enough to Liverpool, and is currently in talks with the Merseysiders. 

Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez is also reported to be close to a move to Manchester City while his German teammate, Shkodran Mustafi could also be playing for Inter Milan within days. 

With a number of players on their way out of the club and no replacements likely, this has proven to be yet another highly frustrating transfer window for The Gunners.

The anger of the supporters following the devastating Liverpool defeat was palpable and was summed up perfectly in the YouTube video below:

What has also been a source of anger amongst Arsenal supporters has been the percieved lack of organisation in the club as well the absense of any ambition. The board have come under fresh criticism for renewing Arsene Wenger's contract, whose tenure at Arsenal has now lasted two decades.

Wenger's management has also caused many Arsenal fans to finally lose patience with the veteran coach who came under fresh fire for his curious team selection on Sunday.

Last season saw the fan's anger and frustration turn to protests with fans unfurling anti Wenger banners at home and away. The atmosphere at the Emirates was certainly toxic and the division in the fanbase was clear. Some were keen for Wenger to continue while others were calling for him to be dissmissed.

There have now however, been fresh calls for supporters to boycott games. Many believe that this will increase pressure on the board who the Arsenal fans feel are at the root cause of the stagnation.

Last season, just before a 2-0 win against Sunderland in May, there was what appeared to be a boycott of the game with about 20,000 seats unoccupied. There have now been calls not only for games to be boycotted but for fans to forego purchasing merchandise and season tickets.

With fans desperate for change, these calls have grown louder and it remains to be seen whether these boycotts will take place.

In the modern game though, clubs do not rely solely on gate receipts and only a well organized, multi faceted and sustained boycott will get the attention of the Arsenal board. The supporters are unconvinced that the owners are listening and they may have no choice but to take things further if their concerns are not addressed.

For supporters considering boycotts, there is somewhat of a precedent for them being effective. One example was very recent and proved that organised boycotts can get the attention of club owners.

In February 2016, 10,000 Liverpool fans walked out of Anfield during a game over the board's proposal to increase ticket prices. A few days later, the board wrote to the supporters, reversing the proposal and promising to freeze ticket prices for two more seasons. 

Fan power indeed.

Boycotts can work but they must be organized and committed. As well as this, the numbers are vital. The more fans that take part, the more impact it has. It isn't only the games that are to be targeted but a boycott of season tickets, sponsors and other related interests are key.

A sustained boycott may remain an option for Arsenal fans and it is one that should be taken seriously especially if the status quo at the Emirates continues.

Critics of a boycott might argue that fans must continue to support the club by attending games and that by supporting the club you show loyalty. At the same time, there must also be an element of tough love, where the board is reminded in no uncertain terms that the fans must never be disrespected and that success hould be the priority. This can be done by walking away until real change is a reality.

Football clubs must be reminded of how important their supporters are. Although the business behind the game has changed significantly, supporters are still an integral part if not the most important part of any football club, whether big or small. 

As for the fans, they must also never forget the power and influence they have. Football supporters contribute significantly to the profits of the clubs they follow and they can force change if they really want to.