Fan protests are so in right now.
In a year in which supporter demonstrations against rising ticket prices convinced Premier League clubs to cap the cost of attendance for away fans next season, you can see why they’ve become so popular.
On Sunday, Charlton Ahtletic fans protested against the ownership of the club by hosting a mock funeral before the game and disrupting proceedings once the match kicked off.
Game stopped at Charlton within the first 10 seconds as the home fans protest with beach balls. Sky Sports 1 now. https://t.co/CWv6SMYuyA
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 13, 2016
The club responded to the protests in a statement released on Tuesday, in which they accused protesting fans of not wanting the club to win and lacking any clear focus.
The statement began: ‘Last Sunday, some individuals did not come to The Valley to watch the game and support the team, but came to create disorder on the pitch and interfere with the players and the game. Disorder which is, allegedly, needed to drive change in ownership and management.
‘Whom would they expect the club to be sold to? How long would a sales process take? Is it easier to sell the club when it is in League One rather than Championship?
‘Some individuals seem to want the club to fail. This is a confused approach, since following this logic leads to exactly the opposite of what we all want: staying in the Championship.’
The club then went on to criticise fans for not seeing themselves as customers and complain about the ‘very weird’ way in which fans feel like they are a part of the club.
You can read the full statement here.
