Arsenal Supporters' Trust

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 when supporters gained the ability to purchase shares through a 'fanshare' scheme. This was a historic first for any Premier League club, allowing fans to hold percentages of a stake and attend shareholders meetings. The text also notes that Granada Ventures held a 9.9% stake in the club as of 2005, providing context for the landscape of ownership during this period. Beyond direct shareholding, the source highlights a deep-seated culture of fan expression and criticism. From the 'boo-boys' targeting Herbert Chapman in the 1930s to the 'Anti-Arsenal Arsenal' group focusing on Arsène Wenger in the 2010s, fans have consistently held management accountable. This tradition of vocal dissatisfaction, evident even during title wins in 1953 and 1971, underscores a fanbase that demands high standards regardless of success.

In Their Own Story

In the timeline provided, the year 2010 stands out as a turning point for fan representation. It was then that supporters utilized the 'fanshare' scheme to buy into the club, becoming the first in the Premier League to do so. This move granted them tangible rights, including attendance at shareholders meetings. The source also paints a picture of a passionate, sometimes fractious fanbase. In 2018, an investigation was launched into 'discriminatory and violent' behavior by fans during a match against Tottenham Hotspur, following allegations of antisemitic chants referencing gas chambers. Conversely, the text notes good relations with police forces generally. The narrative of the fans is one of intense engagement; they are known for their self-deprecating chant 'Boring, Boring Arsenal,' recalling the defensive reputation of the 1970s and 80s, yet they also celebrate victories like the 2–0 win over Southampton in April 2023 that ended a six-year run where Tottenham finished above them.

Reader's Guide

For those interested in the relationship between Arsenal fans and the club's structure, the source highlights the 2010 'fanshare' scheme as the primary mechanism for direct investment. This allows supporters to buy percentages of a stake and attend meetings. The text also outlines the global reach of this fanbase, with estimates placing their numbers at 100 million worldwide as of September 2011, making them the third-largest team in terms of supporters. Fans are organized globally, with specific mentions of 'Arsenal Australia' having branches in every state and territory except Tasmania and the ACT, with New South Wales holding the largest concentration. The source also details cultural touchstones like St. Totteringham's Day, a concept created in 2002 to mark when Arsenal mathematically finishes above Tottenham. It notes that this 'holiday' did not occur from 2017 to 2022 due to Spurs finishing higher, until a 3–3 draw with Southampton in April 2023 confirmed a higher finish for Arsenal.

Did You Know?

• In 2010, Arsenal supporters became the first fans of any Premier League club to buy percentages of a stake in the club through a 'fanshare' scheme.
• The concept of St. Totteringham's Day was created in 2002 and first published on the fan website arseweb.com to mark when Arsenal mathematically finishes above Tottenham.
• As of September 2011, an estimated 100 million people worldwide supported Arsenal, making them the third-largest team in terms of supporters.
• Arsenal has the highest proportion (7.7%) of non-white attending supporters of any club in the Premier League according to a 2002 report.
• The unofficial 'St. Totteringham's Day' did not occur from 2017 to 2022 after Tottenham finished above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years.