I have real concerns about today. And next Sunday.

After 22 years without the league title, we finally did it Tuesday. Champions. And today should be a day of celebrations for all Arsenal fans across the globe as we lift the trophy.

But there could be huge problems today. And they could be replicated at next weeks parade as well.

Across social media, a certain demographic is intent in turning today and the parade into a sort of mini carnival. Non-Arsenal fans planning to turn up, wear shirts of Manchester United and Liverpool, and hijack Arsenal’s party. I fear this is going to go terribly wrong.

The best thing about last Tuesday is it was organic. The impromptu celebrations as Arsenal fans, and only Arsenal fans, congregated throughout the night to celebrate winning the league.

Despite over 100,000 turning up, from all corners of London and all demographics, there was not a hint of trouble. There were no videos of people fighting. No reports of arrests, drugs or knife crime. It was just joyous vibes. I do not think it can be replicated.

I am seeing London based Man U and Liverpool fans saying they are going to turn up today. That they will join the party for the vibes. I’m sorry, but they should stay away.

Today and next Sunday is not a “London street party for all”. It is for Arsenal fans.

Those turning up picked to support Man U or Liverpool based on their success. And will likely never go to a game. In reality they have little interest in football and only associate themselves with the game for the vibes. Losing doesn’t ruin a weekend and they only care if their team is winning.

These sort of fans would have no chance of going to a street party if their side won. They wouldn’t get on the train to Manchester or Liverpool to join int he celebrations. So instead they think they are welcome to try and hijack our celebrations.

I fear that worst. A hyped up Man U fan wearing his overly tight Man U top gets it stuck on him by a few Arsenal fans, and then out comes the knife.

Some will say this is all hyperbole, others will say that I am gatekeeping Arsenal’s celebrations.

We have seen time and again how often huge crowds and all day drinking can go wrong in London. At Notting Hill Carnival, Wireless, and just in Hyde Park in general on a sunny day. I hope today’s celebrations see no trouble, but the noise is concerning.

As for gatekeeping, I am not gatekeeping the celebration from Arsenal fans. I am 100% gatekeeping from those who do not support Arsenal and are only looking to turn up for the vibes. These people are not welcome where they do not belong.

We have a BBC Radio presenter saying that Arsenal’s parade is “a celebration of football culture” and that “non-Arsenal supporters can attend”. This highlights that she, like many others, do not have a clue.

Me personally, I loved last Tuesday and probably won’t bother going to the ground today. My plan is to drink in and around Finsbury Park or the Cally. And next Sunday I will be in Budapest celebrating with Arsenal fans. 

UTA and stay safe.

Keenos