Why we should take a step towards forgiving Gallas

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
25 Nov	7:45 PM	CL	Dynamo Kyiv (H)	1	0	Win

William Gallas has been in the press every day for 1 week. None of it has been flattering. He was dropped from the team that went to Manchester City even though manager Arsène Wenger had hardly any players to choose from. Gallas could have made the difference especially since Arsenal held on and seemed somewhat competitive for 46 minutes.

Gallas would have entered the game against Dynamo Kyiv knowing that his row possibly cost Arsenal 3 points, that he was no longer captain and that he had hardly any friends left in the world.

Yet he came in and played just as good as he always does. He encouraged the team and supported the team. He faced the fans and showed professionalism. I have little sympathy for millionaire footballers but I have respect for any human that tries to correct their mistakes and do the right thing. For that reason, I am off Gallas' back.

I wish him well and hope he stays and continues this sort of professional behaviour. You can't punish a guy who is trying to do the right thing.

Centre-backs of Gallas quality don't grow on trees. They are not easy to find. I admire Wenger's handling of the incident. A lot of people criticised Wenger for failing to strip him of his armband last season and suggested Wenger could not deal with egos like Felipe Scolari does.

In fact, in a way, that was Gallas own criticism of the team. But by refusing to publicly condemn Gallas or say that it was punishment - in fact by suggesting that Gallas took much of the responsibility for the failings of the team - Wenger has allowed a situation where it is possible for Gallas to redeem himself and stay in the team.

I doubt it will be the likely result but it is more possible than if he had done otherwise. Never let a crisis go to waste. We are learning from this crisis.

User Comments

goonnneerrrs

Posted on 27 Nov, 2008 at 10:16 AM - Reply

I never criticised him but im sorry you cannot stab your players in the back and release it to the press its the Gaffer you want to tell and let know, we want this kept behind closed doors unfortunetly Wenger can only speak to us through the press and through cameras but im sure it will all blow over i am more than ready to forgive Billy and i think we all should it is time to stand up and be counted as fans Anybody Disagree there is always another way i suggest This Sunday just slip on a Blues shirt because we dont need your bad comments this weekend

tech12

Posted on 26 Nov, 2008 at 01:09 PM - Reply

I always thought Gallas should be supported as long as he was captaion, but I have always thought of him more as a very capable Lieutenant. As Cesc as his General, maybe Gallas can concentrate on rallying the back line as Cesc deals with the midfield, and to a lesser extent the strikers.

idris adebayo +2348026163365

Posted on 26 Nov, 2008 at 11:28 AM - Reply

i support all that you ahve said jonny and i wish the gunners best of luck in their quest for trophy this season.
Also please tell wenger to buy at least 5 experience and strong players to support this young gunners. okay.
UP GUNNERS........... GUNNERS TILL I DIE

perrygrovesworld

Posted on 26 Nov, 2008 at 10:12 AM - Reply

well said Gallas only reflected the mood of the camp, the problem was he told a journalist instead of the gaffer.....

Swiss Tony

Posted on 26 Nov, 2008 at 09:07 AM - Reply

A Man City Fan

Ok, so he broke the club rules by going public - but what was it about? In fighting in the Arsenal camp - Players arguing, punch ups - non communication. Your team was on the brink of a major bust up any way.

What has Gallas done? He's given an outlet to the team to sort this mess out. Look at whats happened, you've hit rock bottom (sort of) and new your team can start a fresh and build their relationships again. Gallas has sacrificed himself for the good of the team. You should be hailing not criticising him.

Imagine if all these bust ups had carried on? It's already bubbled over onto the pitch a couple of times - That would only happen more. Your better players would have got fed up and might have left the club. Your results might have gone from bad to worse.

Gallas has saved your team

shifan

Posted on 26 Nov, 2008 at 08:57 AM - Reply

Good article. But wht he does effect our young boys mentality

bradski

Posted on 26 Nov, 2008 at 08:42 AM - Reply

Fully agree
By a mile he is our best defender , not to mention the goals at crucial times he comes up with. Obviously less than impressed by what has gone on, but as you rightly say he was out there, not hiding away. Gallas 89th minute winner this Sunday
Go Go Billy

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