Flamini is Arsenal's braveheart... he should be made captain for having the character to question his skipper

By Martin Keown

PUBLISHED: 17:30 EST, 27 November 2013 | UPDATED: 01:41 EST, 28 November 2013

Arsenal has always been a football club rooted in tradition. From the marble halls at Highbury to the classic red and white shirts on the pitch, the club has always prided itself on its heritage.

That’s why Mathieu Flamini’s shirt snipping has caused such a storm. The tradition at Arsenal has always been that it was the captain’s honour to choose whether the team played in short or long sleeves. The kit man would always have a strong view, but it was ultimately the captain’s choice.

The players would get behind their leader, follow his decision and show that the whole team was united. 

Frayed relations: Mathieu Flamini contravened Arsenal rules by cutting his shirt off at the elbow

Frayed relations: Mathieu Flamini contravened Arsenal rules by cutting his shirt off at the elbow

Short shrift: Flamini is the odd one out in Arsenal's line-up before their game with Marseille on Tuesday night

Short shrift: Flamini is the odd one out in Arsenal's line-up before their game with Marseille on Tuesday night

Torn: The club's kit man is at loggerheads with the midfielder over the cutting of his shirt

Torn: The club's kit man is at loggerheads with the midfielder over the cutting of his shirt

It’s not the most serious issue, but those are the kind of traditions that you love and make you proud to play for the club. They’re values that should be protected, but at this time of year, there is always a debate.

When I played, Tony Adams was captain and mostly liked to play in short sleeves, even in the winter months. When it was cold I would often have a moan at him, but even if the temperatures were silly he never changed his mind. Flamini would have loved it.

When I was captain, I always went with long sleeves in winter. Somebody would inevitably want to wear something different but the answer was always no. That’s what happens when you stand shivering at centre back while all the forward players are running around!

Hard man: Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams used to insist on wearing short sleeves, even in winter

Hard man: Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams used to insist on wearing short sleeves, even in winter

Previous: Flamini cut off his sleeves against Manchester United earlier this season

Previous: Flamini cut off his sleeves against Manchester United earlier this season

Comfortable: Martin Keown (middle), here being challenged by Liverpool's Michael Owen (right) in December 2000, preferred playing in long-sleeved shirts during winter

Comfortable: Martin Keown (middle), here being challenged by Liverpool's Michael Owen (right) in December 2000, preferred playing in long-sleeved shirts during winter

Flamini is not the first person to question the captain’s choice and he won’t be the last. But you do have to admire him as a player and a personality.

Flamini is Arsenal’s braveheart, providing that bite in midfield, and I like that he has enough character to challenge the decision. Though, maybe getting the scissors out was a step too far.

It’s a fine balancing act keeping that tradition and making sure everybody respects it.

Maybe the easiest thing would be to make just make Flamini captain. Then everybody can wear their sleeves short, even when even when it’s freezing. Plus, there’ll be no need for any last-minute tailoring in the dressing room.

Special case: Brian Talbot had to get permission from the Arsenal board to roll up his sleeves in the eighties

Special case: Brian Talbot had to get permission from the Arsenal board to roll up his sleeves in the eighties

 

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Sorry Martin, that is stupid. If he is made captain for disobeying his skipper, then what chance does he have for others to follow his lead when he becomes captain.

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About as much chance as you have in the world if you take everything so literally. Me thinks Keown was being coy!

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This whole thing is pathetic, the Arsenal bashers have nothing to have a go at us about because of our superb form so they make a big issue about a thing like this. It's been dealt with internally, end of.

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No he shouldn't Martin we are a club with tradition if he can't stick to it sell him. Sign yann m villa if we need a bulldog in midfield remember we do things the arsenal way

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Since Flamini has been back he has made such an impact I wouldn't question how he has sleeves!! Even after the Spurs game I said he should be the captain, the rest of the players are to quiet and get on with their game.

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I think Per is a great choice

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As much as I rate him, Flamini isn't exactly the most loyal of players having left Arsenal, Marseille and Milan on free transfers. Fair enough he's seen out his contracts as his right, but it doesn't exactly prove his commitment to a particular club.

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Some players will wanting long sleeves & others short sleeves. There is no harm in questioning the decision in the dressing room but once the decision is confirmed you follow it. The issue may be trivial but it can be disruptive as it may show a lack of respect towards the captain, manager and the club.

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I'm liking the idea of Flamini as captain you can see when you watch him play he Pushes and pulls team mates in to position, always talking if not shouting to make sure positionally and in particular defensively where they need to be and I love his passion. I always thought Mertersacker would prove to be a phenomenally disciplined defender which this season he is doing I never thought he'd be much of a talker on the pitch but seems I was wrong I think finally something that is making us so solid this season is that finally, finally after years of followers on the pitch but very few leaders, we now have people all over the park taking responsibility, trying to lead the pack, Wilshere, Mertersacker, Flamini, Arteta, Sagna could all be considered for captaincy and it's showing and proving massive results for us this year, long may it continue

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He would be a good candidate for the captaincy.

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Who cares what he wears, just as long as he keeps playing like he is now. Great player.

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