In North London, a true tattoo wave has erupted following Arsenal’s triumph in the Premier League. Fans, who have waited for this moment for over two decades, have decided to immortalize the victory not just in memory – but on their bodies. The Flamin’ Eight studio in Kentish Town has become the epicenter of this movement: in just a few days, they have completed two tattoos with the club’s symbolism and have already booked three new sessions.
Tattoos as an Act of Loyalty
Nairé Bhana, a studio master who has been working since 1988, admitted that he has done hundreds of tattoos for Gunners fans throughout his career. But now, after the victory, he expects a surge in orders. “Showing loyalty to the team is simple. But when they win, people want to mark it instantly because they don’t know when it will happen again,” he said.
The Story of Matthew Richmond
42-year-old Matthew Richmond, who grew up in Holloway, got a tattoo of the cannon – the club’s symbol. He has been a fan since 1993, when he was nine. “For the first 11 years, we constantly won trophies. Then it all stopped. I kept my season ticket, went to matches, hoping we would win again someday. And now – it has happened. I’ve been thinking about a tattoo for a long time, but now is the perfect moment.”