The Fans Front. Rovers v Arsenal

Football fans, just who do we think we are?

Football is commonly known as the universal language, it is renowned for bringing people together, but it also produces some seriously heated debate.

This article has been inspired by Arsenal fans I have had the pleasure of chatting to over the past week or so. It is a funny old game that can make people friendly one minute and well, at each other`s throats the next; in a metaphorical sense.

In the build up to the doomed Rovers versus Arsenal showdown at Ewood Park of Saturday last, I was fortunate enough to share some interesting views with a selection of Vital Arsenal members. The editor was gracious enough to accept an interview and respond with some interesting comments on both clubs and the fixture.

Equally I enjoyed some of the banter that was stoked up as the countdown to the season`s biggest game approached, sorry it`s not 1995 anymore. However, ninety torturous minutes (only applicable to those of us who wear the blue and white tinted glasses) later and things soon changed.

Anger and passion reared up as fans from both sides sought to defend their team and its honour. Alas, once the dust settled and we all sheathed our weapons for another day the real world, i.e. work was beckoning and things could be put into perspective.

I would like to take this chance to congratulate the Arsenal on an excellent performance. I have decided to do this in an article because I am tired of saying it in the comments part. I would also like to say that the Rovers didn`t shower themselves in glory and I feel that Saturday`s depiction will only support the views of those who refuse to accept Rovers are a quality side, something we showed at the Emirates.

The past week has been a wonderful advert for the power and passion that derives from football and makes it so addictive. The banter and conversation mixed with the passion and dedication to your club has been wonderful to experience and share with the Arsenal fans, most of whom have been very complimentary of Rovers, before and after the result.

I only hope that such passion and conversation can be felt with supporters from other sides. We at Vital Blackburn welcome the views of all fans (although we do get wound up from time to time as go4it_adi will testify) but it is both stimulating and interesting to hear what other people think.

Thank you to the Arsenal fans for their input over the past week.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.