#AskBale Phenomenon Sweeping Twitter: Top Jokes

This afternoon, #AskBale has been trending on Twitter. The hashtag, began by the Welshman at 2:11 p.m., invited followers to write in and pose questions to him during his lunch break, asking him anything they want to know, and attempting to reconcile the man and the miracle worker.

Unfortunately for all involved (apart from amused onlookers), the question session is in the process of descending into a farce, with Arsenal fans intent on ridiculing Bale and his club. While one can’t help but cringe at the thought of the young Welsh wonder reading about references to his uncanny likeness to a chimpanzee, his namesake Christian Bale, or to the perception that he has been carrying Spurs throughout the season, it’s impossible to suppress a smile as you read some of these questions.

Opposition fans were particularly keen to make reference to the notion, prevalent this season, that Spurs have been a one-man team, with Bale too often papering over the weaknesses and inconsistencies of his teammates. While Spurs clearly have enough quality within their ranks to compete without their Welsh winger, the fact that the North London giants haven't won this year unless Bale has scored, must be worrying coach Andre Villas-Boas.

"

#AskBale @garethbale11 Do you get enough sun light because after all you are in our shadow constantly?

— Arsenal FC (@FFArsenal) April 17, 2013"

It certainly hasn't concerned Arsenal fans, who delighted in picking up on this perception.

"

I have been told your nick name at spurs is the " tea tray " as you carry 10 mugs every week . Can you confirm ? #AskBale

— Arsenal Loyal(@wellbeloved13) April 17, 2013"

Others were keen to remind Bale, and his Spurs cohorts, of the parallels that exist between this season and last, when Spurs threw away a seemingly insurmountable lead to surrender a Champions League place to their fierce rivals.

The notion that Bale is a diver, and that he's adverse to bending the rules of a contest, were also picked upon.

Similarly, some of Bale's Tottenham teammates came in for some stick. The cumbersome, and somewhat bulky midfielder, Tommy Huddlestone was in for some specific criticism.

"

#AskBale @garethbale11 How many banana's a week are you on a moment with Tottenham?

— Arsenal FC (@FFArsenal) April 17, 2013"

"

#AskBale Struggling to date this training session of yours, can you please help? twitter.com/AndyCarefree/s…

— C☆refree™® (@AndyCarefree) February 1, 2013"

Last, but not least, the player's uncanny likeness to a primate prompted some particularly cruel jibes.