Charlton Athletic, once a proud Premier League team, are in a lot of trouble. The club is hideously in debt and, despite a slight upturn in form, they are still five points away from sliding down into League 1. Many fans blame their recent troubles on Belgian owner Roland Duchatele and controversial CEO Katrien Miere. So, this past weekend the fans took to the street in a unique way.
The fans didn't just stop there. During the game against Middlesbrough, they bombarded the pitch with black and white beach balls and coordinated a walk out at the 74th minute---the same number of goals that Charlton Athletic have conceded this season.
Duchatele has come under criticism for the way he conducts his business. He is also the owner of Standard Liege and owns a few smaller clubs alongside Charlton Athletic. He is accused of using his clubs as "feeder" clubs, meaning he rotates players around his clubs until he gets their worth up high enough to sell them on. Just listen to how Miere describes the club's vision during this conference:
If you think that is an odd thing to say, don't worry, it gets even worse. Here is Miere speaking of her frustrations with fans.
All right. We as Americans live in a "good" old-fashioned capitalist system. We know the point that she's trying to make. The person who foots the bill makes the decisions. But wow, if that isn't a really, really bad way to put it. Yes, your fans are customers but they're also a part of the fabric of the club, and, if we keep following that logic, the customer is always right.
So there you go. Also, if you are not satisfied with your dining or cinema experience, you absolutely do yell at those responsible. Anybody who has ever worked in the retail or restaurant industry could tell you that.
Photo: @itvfootball | Twitter
So you'd think that maybe the owner's would try to make peace with the fans after this round of protesting. Perhaps apologize for the CEO's insensitive comments, assure the fans that their input is important and so on. Instead, Charlton Athletic fans got this:
Dear Fans,
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.
Allegations regarding the CEO are misrepresented* and are continuously used as a method to discredit and fuel personal abuse, hatred and with a risk to personal safety.
Although certain individuals tell you it does not happen, in recent weeks Roland Duchatelet has met the fans, the CEO has met with several different groups of fans and the communications team have attended several fans meetings. We will continue these meetings and constructive dialogue with fans.
We have 9 games left in which we have to get 6 points more than our competitors.
The team just got 7 points out of 3 games.
We still have the chance to make it happen with the support of the fans until the very last game. We must believe it is still possible. Every football fan knows the 12th man is a crucial factor in the success on the pitch.
That is an actual statement from Charlton Football Club, probably wisely unattributed.
There's tension at almost every club between fans and the entrepreneurial ownership especially as ticket prices rise and soccer becomes more and more of a lucrative business. Other clubs like Bolton, Leeds, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all going through similar situations.
In Charlton's case though, maybe the ownership should take a quick PR class. Couldn't hurt right? We know, you're in it for the money, but perhaps you could not throw that full-on into the fans' faces. Maybe make the football club somewhat competent? What do you say guys?
(H/T Who Ate All The Pies)
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