Graham Benson writes: Joe Melia and I were close friends and fellow Arsenal supporters for many years. Along with Terry Coles, we had a steady routine of meeting in pubs, attending as many Arsenal matches as possible and passionately debating the issues of the day. During Arsenal's 1970-71 double-winning season, we travelled the length and breadth of the country cheering on the Gunners. I have a clear image of a rain-soaked Joe tramping back to Wolverhampton station after another hard-fought and eventually won league game, still complaining loudly about missed chances and poor finishing.
One Saturday afternoon at Highbury we were sitting in the front row close to the opposition's goal. Our boys scored a cracker but up went the linesman's flag. As he sidestepped back along the touchline, Joe cried: "Hey, linesman, come 'ere a minute. That wasn't offside. Come 'ere, listen to me …" The mud-spattered figure turned back and, for a moment, I thought he was going to speak to Joe, a forceful and unique heckler who lent his brilliant stage technique to Saturday afternoon games. When I heard of his death, I played a bit of jazz and remembered with relish his huge laugh and piercing voice of determined protest.
Alan Lovell writes: As well as being a football fan, Joe Melia was also a player. In the early 1960s, he was the (good) goalkeeper for a scratch side made up of actors and other people who worked in theatre, film and television. In one match, having conceded a third goal, Joe remained on his knees with his head on the ground in front of him. The referee asked him what he was doing. "Facing Mecca" was Joe's sardonic reply.