In Arrow, is John Diggle's name a reference to Andy Diggle?

Question

Has it been confirmed either way if the character John Diggle's surname is a reference to Andy Diggle who wrote the Green Arrow Year One mini series?

Answer 1

Most likely yes. In fact they make reference to Andy Diggle at least once. They refer to John Diggle's deceased brother twice in episode three. Once in a conversation between John and his sister-in-law where they do not actually mention his brother's name, and once while Deadshot is tattooing himself, the name Andrew Diggle is shown tattooed on Deadshot's chest, implying that he may have in fact been the one to kill John's brother.

Answer 2

In the episode where Oliver convinced John to join his cause he revealed that John's brother was killed by Deadshot. With the tattoo of Andrew Diggle on Deadshot's chest, I think it's safe to say it is a reference.