Why Are Arsenal Fans Called Gooners? Explained.
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Arsenal fans are known around the world as Gooners, but where did this nickname come from? As fans of the club, we are curious about the origins of this moniker and how it came to be associated with our beloved team.
In this article, we will explore the history of the nickname Gooners and shed some light on its origins.
Summary…
The story of how Arsenal fans became known as Gooners dates back to the 1970s when hooliganism was rampant in British football.
At the time, Arsenal had a firm of supporters called the Goon Squad, which was known for its violent behavior.
The term “goon” was used by rival fans to describe the unruly behavior of Arsenal supporters, and it soon caught on as a nickname for the club’s fans.
Despite its negative connotations, Arsenal fans embraced the name and began to refer to themselves as Gooners with pride.
Table of Contents
Origin of the Nickname
Dial Square
As Arsenal Football Club was founded in 1886, it was originally called Dial Square. The founders of the club were workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, a district in southeast London. The club was named after the area where they worked, which was where they played their first games.
The Gunners
In 1913, the club moved to Highbury, in North London. The move coincided with the start of World War I, and Arsenal’s connection to the munitions industry became more prominent. As a result, the club changed its name to Arsenal Football Club, and its nickname became The Gunners. The club’s crest also features a cannon, further emphasizing the connection to the munitions industry.
Gooners
The term Gooner is believed to have originated from the 1970s when hooliganism was rife in British football. One of Arsenal’s hooligan firms was called the Goon Squad, and Arsenal fans were referred to as Gooners as a result. The term was initially used as an insult by rival supporters, but it was soon adopted by Arsenal fans themselves.
Today, Arsenal fans proudly call themselves Gooners, and the term has become synonymous with the club. It is not uncommon to see Arsenal fans wearing merchandise with the word Gooner on it, or using it as a hashtag on social media.
In summary, Arsenal’s nickname has evolved over time, from Dial Square to The Gunners, and finally to Gooners. Each iteration reflects a different aspect of the club’s history, from its origins as a team of munitions workers to its current status as one of the most iconic football clubs in the world.
Evolution of the Nickname
As Arsenal fans, we are proud to be known as Gooners, but where did this nickname come from? Let’s take a look at the evolution of the nickname.
The Goon Squad
The most commonly held belief is that the nickname Gooners originated from one of Arsenal’s hooligan firms, the Goon Squad, in the 1970s. The group was known for their loud and erratic behavior, which led rival supporters to call them goons. However, Arsenal fans embraced the term and soon started using it themselves with pride.
The Badge and Crest
The club’s badge and crest also play a significant role in the evolution of the nickname. The cannon on the badge represents the club’s origins as the Royal Arsenal, a munitions factory that provided artillery and explosives to the British Army. This connection to weapons and firepower led to the club being nicknamed The Gunners.
Over time, the nickname evolved to become Gooners, reflecting the club’s history and the fans’ passion for their team.
Royal Arsenal
Another possible origin for the nickname is the club’s former name, Royal Arsenal. The club was originally formed in 1886 by workers at the Dial Square Munitions Factory, which later became the Royal Arsenal. The connection to the military and weapons may have contributed to the nickname Gooners.
Club Badge
The club’s badge has undergone several changes over the years, but the cannon has remained a constant symbol. The current badge features a modernized version of the cannon, with the club’s name and founding year, 1886, displayed prominently.
The Gooners
Today, the nickname Gooners is synonymous with Arsenal fans around the world. It represents our passion for the club, our history, and our connection to the team. We wear it with pride and use it to show our support for the Gunners.
Association with Hooliganism
As Arsenal fans, we are often associated with hooliganism, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. This association has led to the nickname “Gooners” being used to refer to Arsenal fans.
The George Robey Pub
One of the most infamous incidents involving Arsenal fans and hooliganism took place at the George Robey pub in Finsbury Park. In 1981, a group of Arsenal fans clashed with supporters of Tottenham Hotspur, leading to a violent brawl that resulted in several injuries. This incident, along with others like it, contributed to the negative reputation of Arsenal fans during this time period.
Arsenal Hooligan Firm
Arsenal had a hooligan firm known as the Goon Squad, which was active during the 1970s and 1980s. The Goon Squad was known for their violent behavior and clashes with rival hooligan firms. The name “Gooners” is believed to have originated from this hooligan firm, as rival fans would use the term as an insult to Arsenal fans.
Despite the negative association with hooliganism, it is important to note that the vast majority of Arsenal fans are peaceful and do not condone violence. The actions of a small group of fans should not define the entire fanbase.
Impact on Arsenal Fans
As Arsenal fans, the nickname “Gooners” has become a part of our identity. It is a term that we use to refer to ourselves and to show our support for the team. However, the origin of the nickname was not always positive, and it has had both positive and negative connotations over the years.
Positive Connotation
Despite its negative origins, the term “Gooners” has become a term of endearment for Arsenal fans. It is a way for us to show our support for the team and to identify ourselves as part of the Arsenal community. The term has also been embraced by the club, with the official Arsenal website using the term “Gooners” to refer to the fans.
Negative Connotation
The origin of the term “Gooners” was not positive. It was originally used as an insult by rival fans to describe the rowdy and sometimes violent behavior of Arsenal fans in the 1970s. The Goon Squad was a notorious group of Arsenal hooligans who were known for their violent behavior. The term “Gooners” was used to describe all Arsenal fans, regardless of whether they were part of the Goon Squad or not.
While the negative connotation of the term has faded over time, it is still occasionally used by rival fans to taunt Arsenal supporters. However, most Arsenal fans have embraced the term and wear it as a badge of honour.
Overall, the nickname “Gooners” has had a significant impact on Arsenal fans. While its origins were negative, it has become a term of endearment for Arsenal supporters. It is a way for us to identify ourselves as part of the Arsenal community and to show our support for the team.
Conclusion
After conducting extensive research, we have come to understand the origins of the nickname “Gooners” for Arsenal fans.
gooners,The term originated in the 1970s when hooliganism was rampant among football fans. Arsenal had a notorious hooligan firm called the Goon Squad, which gave rise to the nickname.
The club’s nickname, “The Gunners,” is derived from the club’s founding members, who were munitions workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. The club’s badge and crest feature a cannon, which is a symbol of the club’s connection to the munitions industry.
Despite the negative connotations associated with the term “Gooners,” Arsenal fans have embraced the nickname and wear it with pride. It has become a term of endearment for the club’s supporters.
In recent years, Arsenal has taken steps to distance itself from the club’s hooligan past. The club has implemented strict security measures at its home ground, the Emirates Stadium, to prevent any incidents of hooliganism.
Overall, the nickname “Gooners” is a part of Arsenal’s rich history and culture. It is a reminder of the club’s origins as a team founded by munitions workers in Woolwich and its connection to the North London community.