Joint letter from fans' groups to supporters

SLO_BFC

SLO_BFC

Well-known member
Blackpool supporters will probably be aware of the extensive media coverage the Club has been getting in recent days and weeks, focused on multiple instances of poor behaviour by a small minority of our own fans. This culminated at Saturday's game with Barnsley, with our victory being marred by fans throwing missiles and attacking visiting supporters and their coaches.

Earlier in the week the Club issued a strong statement condemning these events and putting supporters on notice that further action could follow. On Wednesday the Club's Chief Executive met with representatives of all the main supporters’ groups to discuss the problem and its implications.

These events are not consequence-free. The Club will ban individuals when they can be identified, but we are already attracting the attention of the footballing authorities and financial penalties may follow. These might get more and more punitive if the problem is not dealt with and could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds very quickly.

The Police are taking a close interest and if behaviour does not improve, they may well insist upon more games being identified as high category matches and on reduced ticketing allocations for visiting fans. In the current climate they can't be expected to sanction allowing home fans into the East Stand for big games either.

All of this has financial implications for the Club, who naturally want to invest in the squad and the Club’s infrastructure. Higher police costs, reduced crowds and EFL fines could all negatively impact their ability to do so.

Equally importantly, having in recent years built a reputation in football for all the right reasons, we are as a fan base in danger of throwing it away because of the antics of a few people. The undersigned groups all understand the Club's position and are determined to support its response to the problem. That includes supporting the steps the club intends to take, but we must also confront bad behaviour ourselves where we see it and help Club officials in identifying those who won't or can't behave properly.

Blackpool FC is lucky to have an owner and Board who are ambitious and prepared to invest in the Club’s future. We need to do our collective bit to support them, and that includes being ambassadors for the club home and away.

This statement is issued on Friday 1st October on behalf of the following fans’ groups:
Blackpool Association of Supporters in London
Blackpool Supporters Association
Blackpool Supporters’ Trust
Leyland & Chorley Seasiders
Manchester Seasiders
Muckers Support Group
Tangerine Knights
Yorkshire Seasiders
 
Said it before unfortunately we have a small minority of idiots who solely go to the footy to be an idiot their simply not interested in the football they can’t be if it’s going to land the club in serious trouble.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know which fans group these dickheads belong to so it’s those that need to address it no one else.

I’am pretty sure names have been passed around already I don’t except things can be thrown without people near you not seeing it.
 
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Nobody should be throwing anything and are idiots for doing that, but it’s seeming very easy to blame the fans here and the Police are hiding nicely behind it all when the first few games have been a shambles from them.

I don’t think they could handle 3,000 Knobbers here as the stand is shite, sadly Saturday looks to have give them something to hide behind.
 
Adams Kebab said:
Nobody should be throwing anything and are idiots for doing that, but it’s seeming very easy to blame the fans here and the Police are hiding nicely behind it all when the first few games have been a shambles from them.

I don’t think they could handle 3,000 Knobbers here as the stand is shite, sadly Saturday looks to have give them something to hide behind.
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Sorry mate, but you're coming over all wrong here. The police may have not done the best job in the world, but they aren't the ones causing the problems in the first place.
If a drunk driver crashes into your car, it's not the police's fault for not stopping them.
 
SLO_BFC said:
Blackpool supporters will probably be aware of the extensive media coverage the Club has been getting in recent days and weeks, focused on multiple instances of poor behaviour by a small minority of our own fans. This culminated at Saturday's game with Barnsley, with our victory being marred by fans throwing missiles and attacking visiting supporters and their coaches.

Earlier in the week the Club issued a strong statement condemning these events and putting supporters on notice that further action could follow. On Wednesday the Club's Chief Executive met with representatives of all the main supporters’ groups to discuss the problem and its implications.

These events are not consequence-free. The Club will ban individuals when they can be identified, but we are already attracting the attention of the footballing authorities and financial penalties may follow. These might get more and more punitive if the problem is not dealt with and could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds very quickly.

The Police are taking a close interest and if behaviour does not improve, they may well insist upon more games being identified as high category matches and on reduced ticketing allocations for visiting fans. In the current climate they can't be expected to sanction allowing home fans into the East Stand for big games either.

All of this has financial implications for the Club, who naturally want to invest in the squad and the Club’s infrastructure. Higher police costs, reduced crowds and EFL fines could all negatively impact their ability to do so.

Equally importantly, having in recent years built a reputation in football for all the right reasons, we are as a fan base in danger of throwing it away because of the antics of a few people. The undersigned groups all understand the Club's position and are determined to support its response to the problem. That includes supporting the steps the club intends to take, but we must also confront bad behaviour ourselves where we see it and help Club officials in identifying those who won't or can't behave properly.

Blackpool FC is lucky to have an owner and Board who are ambitious and prepared to invest in the Club’s future. We need to do our collective bit to support them, and that includes being ambassadors for the club home and away.

This statement is issued on Friday 1st October on behalf of the following fans’ groups:
Blackpool Association of Supporters in London
Blackpool Supporters Association
Blackpool Supporters’ Trust
Leyland & Chorley Seasiders
Manchester Seasiders
Muckers Support Group
Tangerine Knights
Yorkshire Seasiders
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Can we have a group for pensioners and what about the gay supporters?
 
There's a very small minority of supporters causing the problem. This should be easy to resolve by the Police & stewards, rather than the over reaction with threats of sanctions & reducing the crowd numbers, which affects the big match day atmosphere.
It's just as well the Lancashire Constabulary don't have to Police any of the large PL grounds, where there are 70,000 supporters!
 
TTractor said:
Sorry mate, but you're coming over all wrong here. The police may have not done the best job in the world, but they aren't the ones causing the problems in the first place.
If a drunk driver crashes into your car, it's not the police's fault for not stopping them.
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No I know, some of our fans have been bellends throwing things & it needs to stop immediately.

Call me cynical but I don’t think the police wanted to have to let 3,000 Knob End fans here anyway. The stand is a logistical nightmare for them. I think the pile-on from Saturday seems well over the top. Talking about shutting Block A & B? Really? Is it the fans fault they can’t exit the stand properly.

I don’t agree with your drunk driver analogy either, Lance Police are paid to have a visible presence and police accordingly. You would have to have just landed from Button Moon to think what they did v Cardiff was good policing, but that’s probably the fans fault 😴

They can’t handle it, if they could we would be allowed home fans in the East on the 23rd 💯
 
These clowns, and I believe there is a shortage of them in Ireland, are undoing a lot of the hard work that was done by a majority of fans over the period of the protests. Our reputation is at stake and if money has to be lost due to fines and lower crowds, there will be less to spend on players, ground improvement etc.

It's not big to throw things at opposing fans, to throw things at their transport or to attack old blokes with children, knowing full well that you can run away or hide, you are cowards, and the majority of fans do not want to have cowards and unruly idiots spoiling their day out at the football.

This applies equally at home games and away games.

Behave, jump up and down by all means, sing shout, be loud and proud and create the atmosphere other clubs hate to hear, but don't throw anything at all on the pitch, at opposing fans, or indeed across the top of fellow fans as one idiot did at Middlesborough.

Behave, and enjoy, that's football.
 
Why aren't our fan groups out there challenging Club and Authorities on the proposed reductions in capacity ? I agree we need to deal with this small minority, but could you please stand up for the vast majority of supporters and our Derby Day.... Blackpool Fans essentially being fucked over from all sides yet again!

Just to mention that the Club, Authorities with the Support of our Supporters Association thought nothing of throwing Blackpool Fans under the Bus at Wembley vs West Ham....
 
Adams Kebab said:
Nobody should be throwing anything and are idiots for doing that, but it’s seeming very easy to blame the fans here and the Police are hiding nicely behind it all when the first few games have been a shambles from them.

I don’t think they could handle 3,000 Knobbers here as the stand is shite, sadly Saturday looks to have give them something to hide behind.
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“Very easy to blame the fans here” because they’re the ones throwing the missiles!
 
CAGU said:
“Very easy to blame the fans here” because they’re the ones throwing the missiles!
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*Sighs

I do not disagree that some of our fans are knobs for throwing things.

However, answer me this one.

Why did Blackburn not get the full allocation of the stand for Saturday as tickets went on sale weeks ago and they sold out within days and wanted more tickets.

This was before plastic bottle gate ?
 
Adams Kebab said:
You could argue, why haven’t the Club made the East more secure and given it facilities to cope with increased support and followings.

Nah, let’s blame the fans.
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It is some of the fans, it could be the worst designed stadium on the planet but it doesn't excuse throwing things.
 
Adams Kebab said:
*Sighs

I do not disagree that some of our fans are knobs for throwing things.

However, answer me this one.

Why did Blackburn not get the full allocation of the stand for Saturday as tickets went on sale weeks ago and they sold out within days and wanted more tickets.

This was before plastic bottle gate ?
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Just somebody sort the little fuckers out!
we should be talking about our exciting squad of players not some sad runts throwing plastic bottles
 
Victorsponge said:
It is some of the fans, it could be the worst designed stadium on the planet but it doesn't excuse throwing things.
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No completely agree.

I’m just making the point that throwing things gives perfect excuses, that for me would’ve happened anyway.

Dicks throwing things need to stop it or stop coming.
 
Agree with both the joint supporters statement and the stand taken by the club. Unfortunately, the small minority of supporters acting this way probably don't care
 
CAGU said:
Just somebody sort the little fuckers out!
we should be talking about our exciting squad of players not some sad runts throwing plastic bottles
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I agree.

But you get the point about Blackburn tickets don’t you?

They were never going to get more whether we exchanged thank you cards with away fans or not.
 
Adams Kebab said:
*Sighs

I do not disagree that some of our fans are knobs for throwing things.

However, answer me this one.

Why did Blackburn not get the full allocation of the stand for Saturday as tickets went on sale weeks ago and they sold out within days and wanted more tickets.

This was before plastic bottle gate ?
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Perhaps those in charge of away tickets sales and those advising them on safety etc. were aware that there were some issues and were monitoring the situation to see if it improved to the point where they could increase the away allocation. Obviousky its got worse and the appropriate action has taken place.

Away fans can only be housed “safely” in the South East Paddock it seems through actions of our own fans who will not listen to warnings and doubtful that they wii read - if they can actually read - and its pretty obvious that they will continue to behave this way as they think they are bullet proof!
 
SIDEFOOT_SID said:
Chucking missiles at oppo supporters is pathetic.

These morons need to be called out by the proper fans who are standing around them.
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Don't forget that, during the 'Boycott years' our fans (I use the term lightly) threw smoke bombs into our own supporters
outside the ground.
These idiots MUST be stopped otherwise the club will face bans, or worse.
Let's just hope that they were caught on camera.
Is there anyone on here who supports these awful actions?
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
Why aren't our fan groups out there challenging Club and Authorities on the proposed reductions in capacity ? I agree we need to deal with this small minority, but could you please stand up for the vast majority of supporters and our Derby Day.... Blackpool Fans essentially being fucked over from all sides yet again!

Just to mention that the Club, Authorities with the Support of our Supporters Association thought nothing of throwing Blackpool Fans under the Bus at Wembley vs West Ham....
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West Ham was ten years ago and under a different regime. It's irrelevant.

I think the supporter's groups ARE doing the right thing. We have a small number of people who embarrass the club and spoil the experience for everyone who comes into contact with them. You can't reason with them, so you have to take actions that will affect them.

You are the one out of step here, I feel.
 
coppiceman said:
West Ham was ten years ago and under a different regime. It's irrelevant.

I think the supporter's groups ARE doing the right thing. We have a small number of people who embarrass the club and spoil the experience for everyone who comes into contact with them. You can't reason with them, so you have to take actions that will affect them.

You are the one out of step here, I feel.
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Out of Step with who? You?

That's one place I would always intend to be...

West Ham was a classic example of how our Supporters Groups rallied around the Club and failed to do their job.

Which of the Supporters Groups will be issuing a statement to the Club and the Police Authorities to challenge this pathetic and totally unnecessary reduction in capacity for the Derby Game? (i.e. representing the actual supporters for a ** change)
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
Out of Step with who? You?

That's one place I would always intend to be...

West Ham was a classic example of how our Supporters Groups rallied around the Club and failed to do their job.

Which of the Supporters Groups will be issuing a statement to the Club and the Police Authorities to challenge this pathetic and totally unnecessary reduction in capacity for the Derby Game? (i.e. representing the actual supporters for a ** change)
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They've all signed the statement, presumably they agree with it. Reading the board this morning, lots of people seem to feel the same.
 
Bottle said:
Perhaps those in charge of away tickets sales and those advising them on safety etc. were aware that there were some issues and were monitoring the situation to see if it improved to the point where they could increase the away allocation. Obviousky its got worse and the appropriate action has taken place.
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It’s a fair point but it’s not right, as all Rovers ticket press releases said no more tickets after they got allocated the additional 1,000. This was a couple of weeks ago.

The Club can’t accommodate a full East Stand, the Police can’t either, there is no way of getting away from these two points.

An element of our fans have just given them the perfect excuse to hide behind the above.
 
coppiceman said:
They've all signed the statement, presumably they agree with it. Reading the board this morning, lots of people seem to feel the same.
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Yep.... They've all signed the statement

So which ones intend to be a voice for the fans and challenge the decision to reduce capacity for a Derby Game?

The two things are mutually exclusive as far as I'm concerned...


You can disagree with throwing missiles and you can also disagree with the reduction in capacity...

So you've all thrown your hat in the ring with the Club (yet again).... Now let's see you represent the Supporters!
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
Out of Step with who? You?

That's one place I would always intend to be...

West Ham was a classic example of how our Supporters Groups rallied around the Club and failed to do their job.

Which of the Supporters Groups will be issuing a statement to the Club and the Police Authorities to challenge this pathetic and totally unnecessary reduction in capacity for the Derby Game? (i.e. representing the actual supporters for a ** change)
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Classic deflection, but why?

The current problem needs to be dealt with. The owner of Blackpool FC is getting fed up of pissing his money away on these issues.

He prefers to spend his money building a club we can all be proud of by investing in the team and infrastructure.

Would you prefer he walked away?
 
Why are so many of you on here blaming this on children, fair enough I wasn’t there but even living in Immingham, I saw on a media site the other day that the only person arrested for missile throwing at your match with Barnsley and also for possession of an offensive weapon is aged 29.
 
coppiceman said:
Perhaps we should throw the book at them? 😜
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Throwing books is one step from burning them. And we all know what that means.

As an aside, I'm a member of several of these supporters groups and not one got in touch to see whether I agreed with the statement. You can already see the power-tripping cliques at work. I bet it was all the usual suspects too - BRR, the Pastor, Karen, Raggy and the Afro, the bloke with the beard and radio and Pork Pie Hat Man. Plus, if Alan Garforth is a member of any of these supporters groups then all credibility has been lost. FACT.

To my mind, we should only truly be concerned if someone is throwing an actual missile (scud, exocet or Trident). The rest is just banter.
 
I dont really give two flucks how many PKE and T'rovers get as long as it doesnt impact on us getting 5-6k at their place. The problem is that it undoubtedly will and to that end I would rather have more police and Stewards and a better atmosphere by allowing them a bigger allocation...the policing on match day this season thus far has been a recipe for disaster and is an accident waiting to happen. Letting everyone out at the same time does kind of make you think the police are happy enough for all the trouble makers of each team to kick off in one place on Bloomfield road and film it and arrest offenders later...that is a very dangerous strategy. Barnsley, Cardiff and Huddersfield all came out at the same time and were allowed to walk up past the Armfield to the Prom. Even Inspector Clouseau can see that if PKE and Bburn do that it will be a major flashpoint. I do not buy into the human rights argument and the away fans should be kept in for 15 mins to allow the majority of home fans to get away.
 
Adams Kebab said:
*Sighs

I do not disagree that some of our fans are knobs for throwing things.

However, answer me this one.

Why did Blackburn not get the full allocation of the stand for Saturday as tickets went on sale weeks ago and they sold out within days and wanted more tickets.

This was before plastic bottle gate ?
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AK: tbf it's been happening all season and getting worse. Coins and bottles on the pitch v Coventry, Fulham fans pelted with bottles and cans as they filed out past the North, more stuff on the pitch v Huddersfield. It just needs to stop.
 
XBeds-Now-Kings_Meaburn said:
Can't believe that some are blaming the Police, The Club, Stewards & the Stadium design rather than the idiots that can't bring themselves to behave in a civilised manner 🙄
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Just to clarify. Bottle throwers are knobs & letting everyone down.

But the reduced allocations and the club now losing money is not as a direct result of this. The things you mention are factors in this.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
Yep.... They've all signed the statement

So which ones intend to be a voice for the fans and challenge the decision to reduce capacity for a Derby Game?

The two things are mutually exclusive as far as I'm concerned...


You can disagree with throwing missiles and you can also disagree with the reduction in capacity...

So you've all thrown your hat in the ring with the Club (yet again).... Now let's see you represent the Supporters!
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So the supporters groups should stick up for the fans should they?
What do you think we are doing? We're sticking up for the majority and trying to ensure we have a decent club to watch. What do you think we were all doing during the protests? Sticking up for the Oystons? We do stick up for our well behaved members, but draw the line with tosspots.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
Why aren't our fan groups out there challenging Club and Authorities on the proposed reductions in capacity ? I agree we need to deal with this small minority, but could you please stand up for the vast majority of supporters and our Derby Day.... Blackpool Fans essentially being fucked over from all sides yet again!

Just to mention that the Club, Authorities with the Support of our Supporters Association thought nothing of throwing Blackpool Fans under the Bus at Wembley vs West Ham....
Click to expand...
👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

Spot on.
 
As soon as supporter's groups start getting involved with 'statements' I completely switch off.

The joint letter is a PR exercise as these things always are, it won't go anywhere near solving the problem.
 
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