By Andy Strouthous
October 26 2004

At half time the atmosphere was cheery - we were 1-0 up and Charlton did not look capable of upsetting the result. There would be no "squeaky bum time" played out at the end. Taking a break on the Clock End I heard an Arsenal fan complaining that his flag had been confiscated so I interviewed him for Arsenal Times. What had he done to provoke an Arsenal steward to seize it? He waved it as Ljungberg scored the only goal of the first half.

He did not normally carry a flag but on seeing Red Action selling flags at £1 a time he thought it was only right to encourage the campaign to raise the atmosphere.

Its a bit like filling a bath with the plug out, Red Action sells flags officious stewards remove them. Perhaps it's something to do with the new recycling centre.

Apparently he was told he could have his flag back after the match, but he was going to tell the steward to stow it away.

Nonetheless the atmosphere remained cheerful enough, even though Frodo the Charlton fan did not reappear this year - probably banned. Last year saw this hobbit look alike remorselessly taunted by Arsenal Fans, finally he cracked and was removed by the Police. The Clock End wittily sang "Call yourself a family club".

Nothing nearly as good happened this time, except as Arsenal scored the third goal the heavens opened, and the less resolute Addicks fled for the exit "Cheerio" we sang in a genuinely friendly manner.

No wonder we are the fair play fans. What are you going to do with your £1 reward? I think I might save a tenner or so by just not using it, and continue to haggle on the stalls outside the ground, only last match I saved £1, on a va va voom tee shirt for my great nephew, at a stall near the station.