‘One Club’, but only when it suits.

Image: Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Credit: BBC Sport

By Katie Vince (08/11/2024)

The decision to reschedule Arsenal Women’s Champions League fixture against FC Bayern Munich to accommodate the men’s Carabao cup fixture against Crystal Palace has sparked outrage among fans.

It was confirmed on Wednesday 30th October that the Arsenal men’s team will face Crystal Palace in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup. On Wednesday the 6th of November it was confirmed by the EFL that the fixture will be played at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 18th December.

This match will be held at the Emirates Stadium, which creates a fixture clash with the Women’s Champions League home leg against Bayern Munich. Arsenal Women issued a statement this evening, saying: “We are liaising with UEFA and further details regarding our UWCL match against Bayern Munich

will be announced in due course.” It remains unclear whether the fixture will be moved to another stadium or rescheduled to a later date.

In May, it was announced that Emirates Stadium would become the primary home of Arsenal Women. This move followed a successful run during the 23/24 season, in which the women’s team drew an average crowd of 52,029 for matches played at the Emirates. The club’s announcement stated: “We plan to play eight Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) games at Emirates Stadium, alongside three UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) fixtures, should we qualify for the group stages of the competition.”

This decision has caused frustration among supporters, many of whom feel let down by the club. The fixture against Bayern Munich has been scheduled since September, with home and away tickets having been on sale for months. Many traveling supporters (particularly away fans) have already booked travel and accommodation for the fixture, leaving them in limbo. One Instagram user commented, “Booked train tickets & hotel only to come second to the men’s team once again.” The Carabao Cup match, which is yet to sell any tickets, has still been prioritised over the Women’s Champions League.

Arsenal suffered a 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the away leg in October, with Pernille Harder scoring a hat-trick. With this being the most challenging opposition in the group, and having already suffered a loss to them, surely the club needs the home advantage?

This situation serves as an unfortunate reminder of the disparities that still exist in women’s football. A club that has been long praised for its support of the women’s team now seems to have thrown them under the bus to suit the men’s agenda. If the situation was reversed, would the men’s team ever find themselves in this situation? I think not.

Arsenal has adopted a “One Club” mentality, celebrating both the men’s and women’s teams, as one unified entity. Yet, when push comes to shove, the women are shoved aside, whilst the men remain unscathed.