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Vic Akers with coach Emma Hyes and winger Rachel Yankey |
Historic ladies are snubbed
Anger at lack of celebrations for quad-winning women
ARSENAL Ladies football team clinched an historic quadruple on Monday after adding the women’s FA cup to their Uefa Cup, League title and league cup – but Islington Council is not planning any major celebrations.
Football fans need only cast their minds back to 2002 when the men’s team, after completing the league and FA Cup double, were treated to an open-topped bus ride along a packed Upper Street before a ribbon-decked civic reception at the Town Hall.
But the Ladies have had to make do with a trip to Arsenal’s Emirates stadium and a get-together with family and friends.
Some commentators say this smacks of double standards when the men’s team has not won silverware in two years.
Michelle Hanson, the Guardian columnist and author from Tufnell Park, said: “It’s outrageous that no one gives a toss about women’s football, especially when the men are playing so badly.”
Opposition Labour leader Councillor Catherine West said: “This is an historic occasion for Arsenal Ladies. If the men won that much silverware, the council would lay on a victory parade – and rightly so – so we want to know why the council won’t lay on a celebration for the women too.”
A series of victories this season has seen the Ladies eclipse their male counterparts, winning the league, the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup and the National League Cup.
If they win their last match on May 20, it will mean they have not lost a single game this season.
It has been the most successful season in the Ladies’ 20-year history. Most of the team have full-time jobs, two are mothers and each captain of the English, Scottish and Welsh teams plays at Arsenal. They practice two to three times a week and play regular matches – but not at Arsenal’s £390 million new Emirates stadium.
Instead, the record-breaking team are relegated to play at the ground of non-league Boreham Wood FC in Hertforshire.
Ms Hanson said: “It’s disgusting that the women can’t play in the same stadium if it’s there. It costs a fortune and has cocked up the traffic. I’d be very cross if I was them having to go all the way to Borehamwood when they’ve got this brand new stadium.”
The club has allowed the Ladies to show off their victory silverware at the past two home matches at the Emirates and the team has played its last two league games there – but only as a special favour.
Arsenal, along with Islington Council, has made no commitment to honouring the Ladies team with a large-scale parade.
But many people, including the Ladies’ manager, Vic Akers, are reflective about demands for large-scale celebrations or a parade.
He said: “I don’t think it would (attract) enough people to attend it.
“Sadly women’s sport is not overwhelmed with support, even though more and more people are coming to games. We trebled the numbers who came to our FA Cup final game this year.
“Its up to everybody to step up to the plate and get our attendances up.”
Comedian Rhona Cameron, herself a keen footballer for team in Camden, said: “I think its expecting a bit too much to expect street parades and mass jubilation.
“I think it is a bit unrealistic to complain about it not receiving the same adulation as male football.”
She added: “But things are moving forward with the television stations making more of an effort.”
Arsenal said the Ladies had already paraded the trophy at the stadium on two men’s match days.
There was also a ceremony with family and friends invited.
A club spokeswoman said no decision on how to further celebrate the Ladies’ success could be taken until they return from international duty.
Councillor Terry Stacy, deputy council leader, said: “The Arsenal Ladies’ achievement is truly historic and we send our congratulations on behalf of the borough.
“Although we have contacted the club about how the occasion can be celebrated, quite how it’s marked remains to be seen.” |
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