Arsenal Women have launched a new ticket scheme to honour their beloved late superfan Maria Petri, with Sunday’s Women’s Super League clash against London rivals West Ham United set to mark the occasion.
Petri, who passed away in July at the age of 84, fiercely supported the Gunners for 72 years, becoming the club’s most iconic fan due to the booming, ever-present chanting that emanated from her petite frame from the supporters’ ranks.
Petri attended thousands of Arsenal matches, including senior men’s, women’s and youth games, and was famous for not only her relentlessly galvanising voice but for handing out white sheets of paper with chants of her own creation, including: “There was a girl from England, Meado! Meado!” for Euro2022 top scorer Beth Mead.
To venerate Petri’s unflagging passion for the club, Arsenal Women have launched the new Maria Petri Community Ticket Scheme, whereby Petri’s two season tickets have been retained by the club and will be donated to members of Arsenal in the Community, from which Arsenal Women's roots stretch.
Sunday’s London derby will see the scheme take effect, with members of Arsenal’s Coach Development Programme Rebecca Finch and Billy Graham set to be the first guests.
Both Finch and Graham have memories of Petri’s presence at Arsenal.
“I remember watching a ‘Get to know Maria’ interview on the Arsenal Women Instagram page,” Finch told Arsenal Women Supporter's Group. “I’d heard stories about her support of the club over the years and could finally put a face to the name. She’s truly an Arsenal legend in her own right.”
Graham added: “I met Maria a couple of years ago away at Watford. We were waiting late at night in the cold after the game to wave the players off and we spoke about the win for Arsenal. I’m currently representing the club as a coach in the community on the CDP programme, and I think Maria would be proud that her tickets are being used in this way.”
Jonas Eidevall’s side take on West Ham at 6:30pm and will be looking to build on their midweek momentum following a 3-1 Champions League victory over Zurich.
READ MORE:
Danielle Carter makes Arsenal and Chelsea UEFA Women's Champions League prediction
Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder agree on Vllaznia's backing during Chelsea UWCL win
Chelsea Women breeze past Vllaznia in the UEFA Women's Champions League as Sam Kerr nets four
Arsenal will reach UEFA Women's Champions League landmark in FC Zurich clash
Fara Williams makes Chelsea title claim and praises ‘exceptional’ Emma Hayes
