:lol: :lol:
What a f***ing legend.
He was more animated today than most fans around us. When the anti-Pardew stuff was going around many looked at him for a reaction and he just shrugged as if to say "what is, is what is". I think he has had a decent relationship with Pardew at some point, but its obviously diminished and massively so. All throughout today he demonstrated a kind of affinity with the fans and a general downbeat kind of sadness that he was in the stands rather than out there on the pitch.
When people were chanting his name he showed a degree of humility by nodding and thanking fans for their support. Its the way he dealt with the stewards and other officials that impressed me though, they wanted him to return to in doors and he was having none of it, they also wanted him to refuse to sign things and to get involved with photos, but he was defiant and made many a fans' day, especially my mate's bairn who apparently, even at this late hour, won't shut up about meeting Ben Arfa and getting his sig.
That's what footy should be about, capturing the hearts and imagination of people, especially bairns who don't see the malaise or negativity, they go for the players, to cheer on their hero or heroes. In Ben Arfa we have just that kind of player and he is sat in the stands. Its criminal. Pardew should be sacked for that alone.
I'm a big fan of him as a footballer, and an even bigger fan as a character after witnessing some of the things I saw today.
Seriously cant understand how so many fuckwits still side with Pardew over Ben Arfa.