THE FSA. ANNUAL REVIEW - 2018_2019 - Football Supporters' Association
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THE FSA. ANNUAL REVIEW 2018_2019
STRENGTH COMES IN NUMBERS...
JOIN THE FSA AT THEFSA.ORG.UK
2 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19CONTENTS
04.
08.
ABOUT THE FSA
TV & THE FA CUP
12. COMMUNITY OWNED CLUBS
16. TICKET PRICES
18. CLUBS IN CRISIS
22. INTERNATIONAL
24. AWARDS 2018
26. AWAY FANS SURVEY
28. SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICERS
29. SUPPORTER ENGAGEMENT
30. FANS FOR DIVERSITY
34. STAND UP FOR CHOICE
36. CASEWORK: FAIRCOP
40. NON-LEAGUE
42. FSA NETWORKS
44. EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE
46. #ICYMI
Editor – Michael Brunskill
Editorial team – Liam Thompson, Garreth Cummins
The FSA’s Annual Review 2018-19 has benefited from the contributions of Amanda Jacks, Andy Walsh, Anwar Uddin,
Ashley Brown, Christine Seddon, Dave Pennington, Debs Dilworth, Jane Hughes, Kat Law, Kevin Miles, James Boyes,
Lily Brunskill (and The Crystal Gems), Malcolm Clarke, Maria Horner, Martin Cloake, Matt Walder, Nicola Hudson, Nina
Donkin, Paul Corkrey, Peter Daykin, Richard Irving, Roger Ellis, Tom Greatrex, Vicki Haddock, and many others who
we should have remembered, some of whom probably even deserved a namecheck. Oh, and all at Solution Group
including the work experience kids (even the feral ones). All images via PA Images unless otherwise stated.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 3ABOUT THE FSA.
ON THURSDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
SUPPORTERS MET IN CENTRAL
LONDON TO FINALISE THE MERGER
OF THE FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’
FEDERATION AND SUPPORTERS DIRECT
INTO ONE ORGANISATION - AND THE
FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION
(FSA) WAS BORN.
THE FSA IS THE NATIONAL, League, the EFL, National League, As secretariat to the All Party
and the FA, as well as a whole host Parliamentary Football Supporters
DEMOCRATIC, REPRESENTATIVE
of other organisations within football Group, we have strengthened the voice
BODY FOR SUPPORTERS IN such as the Professional Footballers’ of fans within Parliament in
ENGLAND AND WALES. Association (PFA). recent years.
We are the leading advocates for Football is for all and we work closely Our casework helps hundreds of fans
supporter ownership, better fan with organisations such as Kick It every year who feel they’ve been
engagement, cheaper ticket prices, Out and Level Playing Field to ensure poorly treated by their clubs, stewards,
the choice to stand at the match, that core belief is happening in the or police. We give those fans a voice,
protecting fan rights, good governance, real world. We have supported the the best possible advice, and even
diversity, and all types of supporter establishment of scores of BAME and legal support.
empowerment. LGBT fans’ groups over the past few
seasons. We pioneered the concept of Fans’
The breadth of work is huge and Embassies and have helped fans of
difficult to sum up in a paragraph or We are founder-members of Football both the England and Wales men’s
two, so we hope this Annual Review fills Supporters Europe (FSE) who national teams at tournaments across
that role in showcasing our work across represent supporters across the the planet. We are proud to have
the football season. continent and heavily involved in the replicated this service, for the first time,
organisation, with two members who at the Women’s World Cup 2019.
As the national organisation we have sit on FSE’s Committee (Kevin Miles
regular contact with the Premier and Paul Corkrey).
4 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19GET INVOLVED
The FSA is by fans, for fans - we
couldn’t deliver results without
the countless hours invested by
our volunteers across the country,
throughout the leagues. If you
are passionate about one of our
campaigns, lead a fans’ group, or
think you have skills we can put to
use, then get in touch.
Malcolm Clarke, Chair Tom Greatrex, Vice chair Kevin Miles, Chief executive
Malcolm Clarke (Chair, the FSA) - Tom Greatrex (Vice chair, the FSA) - Kevin Miles (Chief executive, the
Malcolm is a Stoke City and York Tom co-founded Fulham Supporters’ FSA) - Kevin was appointed FSA chief
City fan who is one of our two fan Trust and was chair of Supporters executive having previously held the
representatives on the FA Council. Direct. He was a Labour/Co-op MP and same position at the FSF. He oversees
Malcolm was chair of the FSF is chief exec of the Nuclear Industry our staff team, the long-running
throughout its existence and has Association. Tom is also a fan rep on England Fans’ Embassy service, and
a big interest in reforming football the FA Council with special interest in sits on Kick It Out’s Professional
governance and power structures. good governance and fan ownership. Game Guidance Group.
OUR CONSTITUTION MISSION STATEMENT:
We are an inclusive, independent,
democratic organisation working with
supporters, governing bodies, leagues
and clubs to drive positive change in
football through supporter engagement
at every level of the game. We nurture
and develop supporter networks at
local, national and international levels,
working with supporters’ trusts, clubs
and individuals to initiate and support
campaigns on issues of concern to
football supporters, encouraging good
governance, supporter representation
on club boards, community-ownership
and sustainable stewardship of football
clubs. A commitment to diversity
underpins all of our activity and we
oppose all forms of discrimination or
violence in relation to football.
You can download our constitution:
www.bit.ly/fsa-constitution
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 5OUR STRUCTURE
AGM
CHAIR AND
VICE CHAIR
PREMIER CHAMPION-
LEAGUE SHIP
ASSOCIATE INDIVIDUAL
MEMBER MEMBER
REPS REPS
NATIONAL
COUNCIL
LEAGUE 1 NATIONAL
& LEAGUE 2 GAME
FAN/
COMMUNITY FANS FOR
OWNED DIVERSITY
CLUBS
BOARD
FSA Board: Nine members elected by the
National Council plus the chair and vice chair
Elected at AGM Selected by networks
6 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19NATIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Chair Malcolm Clarke
Vice chair Tom Greatrex
Premier League Katrina Law (Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust), Dave Pennington
(Manchester United Supporters’ Trust) and Dave Kelly (The Blue Union).
Championship Geoff Bielby (Hull City Supporters’ Trust), Rick Duniec
(Leeds United Supporters’ Trust), and Teddy Bellamy (Millwall Supporters’ Club).
EFL 1 & EFL 2 Antony Wilkinson (Blackpool Supporters’ Trust) and Roger Ellis (Sky Blue Trust).
National Game Rob Street (Billericay Town Supporters Society),
Richard Tomkins (Hereford United), Simon Cope (Scarborough Athletic).
Supporter-owned clubs Neil Le Milliere (Exeter City Supporters’ Trust),
Tim Hillyer (Dons Trust), Nick Duckett (FC United of Manchester).
Fans for Diversity Chris Paouros (Proud Lilywhites), Malcolm Hirst (Port Vale Supporters’ Club)
and Shin Aujla (Apna Albion).
Associate organisations Ally Simcock (Pint of Vale), David Michael (My Old Man Said),
and Dave Tomlinson (Sandbach Travelling Alex).
Individual representatives Christine Seddon, Fiona McGee, Kristine Green, Martin O’Hara,
Peter Daykin, and Steve Powell.
Networks are entitled to three elected representatives and the responsibility is with those networks to fill the positions.
See more on FSA networks under Network Engagement. Nine members are elected from the NC to make up the board
alongside the chair and vice chair. The Board: Ally Simcock, Chris Paouros, Dave Pennington, Fiona McGee, Malcolm Clarke,
Martin O’Hara, Peter Daykin, Roger Ellis, Tim Hartley, Tim Hillyer, and Tom Greatrex.
MEMBERSHIP INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP All tiers of membership are embedded
Open to all fans. in our structure, weighted towards
affiliate members who receive more
positions on our National Council and
THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP
more votes at the AGM - five per group
For supporters’ groups who fulfil
OF MEMBERSHIP FOR THE FSA key criteria relating to constitution,
as opposed to one vote per individual
AND THEY ARE ALL FREE: affordability, independence,
member or associate group.
democratic structure, annual
Policy is set primarily at the AGM
accounts and diversity policy.
following democratic processes
JOIN THE FSA:
although the National Council can
WWW.THEFSA.ORG.UK ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP make interim policy if required during
For entities such as regional or non-
the gap between AGMs. While the
democratic supporters’ groups such
networks can set up campaigns they
as atmosphere groups, club-based
can’t unilaterally set policy - that must
fan forums, fanzines, or digitally
be done at the AGM or via the
based collectives.
National Council.
CONTACT:
Email: info@thefsa.org.uk
Phone: 0330 44 000 44
Address: 1 Ashmore Terrace, Stockton Road,
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR2 7DE
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 7TV & THE FA CUP 8 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19
THIS SEASON’S FA CUP WAS traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off time. “THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR AND IT IS
The remaining 22 games were spread
THE FIRST UNDER A NEW SIX TAKING AWAY SOME OF THE MAGIC
across the weekend, starting with
YEAR INTERNATIONAL TV DEAL Tranmere Rovers vs Tottenham on
OF THE FA CUP.
REPORTEDLY WORTH £820M TO Friday evening and ending up
THE FA - AND ITS EFFECTS BECAME with Liverpool away to Wolves on THE FA CUP THIRD ROUND ON
CLEAR IN THE THIRD ROUND. the Monday night.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON IS ONE OF
TV selections were compounded by
THE ENDURING TRADITIONS OF A
compressed timescales between the WONDERFUL COMPETITION. TO HAVE
Normally one of the highlights of the
footballing calendar, the third round draws - for example, Grimsby Town FEWER THAN A THIRD OF THE 32
was fragmented to meet the needs fans were unable to get back from MATCHES KICKING OFF AT 3PM ON
their late-Saturday kick-off against
of broadcasters in various territories SATURDAY IS BOTH EXTRAORDINARY
across the world. Crystal Palace. This denied many
Mariners the chance to see their team AND VERY SAD.”
The headline result was that only in what could have been the biggest FSA chair Malcolm Clarke
10 of the 32 ties were played at the game of their season.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 9TV HELL 2018-19
TV: GOING TO GET WORSE
BEFORE IT GETS BETTER
ONE STEP FORWARD,
TWO STEPS BACK
Spurs were initially picked by Sky
Sports to play Manchester City at home
on Sunday 27th October. Tottenham
were unable to fulfil the fixture on this
date due to the build issues and a clash
In recent seasons the relationship Back in 2017, the big issue with TV was
with an NFL game at Wembley - so the
between match-going fans and TV the Premier League failing to meet
game was moved to the Monday
has deteriorated significantly - and its own deadlines on releasing the
night slot.
next season it could get a whole lot TV fixtures. The Premier League has
worse as the number of televised committed to giving fans six weeks
However, Sky Sports were unwilling
games is set to increase once more. notice of changes, but over the 2017-18
to give up the now-vacated TV slot
season, more than half of the division’s
so transferred the Manchester United
Saturday 3pm kick-offs will become TV fixtures were announced late.
vs Everton game, originally slated for
a rarity for many fans as 200 of the
early-Saturday, into the late-
380 Premier League games will be Rafts of TV fixtures often came weeks
Sunday slot.
broadcast across the 2019-20 season. late, leaving fans to gamble on train
tickets and accommodation for away
The move meant that the
games causing supporters to, rightly,
inconvenience that should have been
kick up a fuss. We released numerous
limited to Spurs and Manchester
statements calling on the Premier
City fans left thousands more out of
League to get its act together and
pocket. Manchester United Supporters’
raised the issue with former-chief
Trust (MUST) described Sky Sports’
executive Richard Scudamore directly.
behaviour as “naked commercial
opportunism”.
This season, the situation has improved.
TV selections have been released
MUST pushed the Premier League and
on time for the most part - but
Sky Sports to compensate supporters,
one problem has been replaced by
but the broadcaster was unmoved -
another: the rise of conditional picks.
telling the Trust that the move was a
Broadcasters are now releasing TV
commercial decision to preserve their
Similarly, in the EFL Sky’s new five year selections on time, but completely
“Super Sunday” brand.
deal allows them to broadcast 138 disregarding them further down the
league matches a season - with the line and carving up weekends long
“While expressing sympathy for
option to increase that to 158 games in after the initial selections have
affected supporters however they have
the final two years of the deal. been made.
sought to shift responsibility for any
compensation to the Premier League
This all adds up to more and more The first taste of this in the 2018-19
and ultimately to our own club that did
inconvenience for fans trying to plan season came as a result of the delays
not instigate the fixture change,”
their travel to games - more days to the construction of Tottenham
MUST said.
off work, more time spent travelling Hotspur’s new stadium.
through the early hours and more time
away from family and friends.
10 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19“THIS REGRETTABLE, BUT SADLY MISSING: LAST HOME GAMES Similarly, Spurs’ game against
OF THE SEASON
Bournemouth, which was due to be
PREDICTABLE, BUCK PASSING AND
played on the Monday night, was
IMPASSE IGNORES THE VALID CLAIMS shuffled back to a Saturday kick-off.
OF SUPPORTERS WHO REMAIN Manchester City against Leicester City,
The penultimate weekend of the season
SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF POCKET.” originally picked for an early Saturday
was carved up not once but twice by
kick-off off, was transferred into that
broadcasters who sought to secure
Not to be outdone by Sky, BT Sport empty Monday night slot.
the most lucrative fixtures possible -
also got in on the conditional picks
regardless of the impact it would have
show by somehow putting fans of four Ray from Man City Fan TV said:
on fans looking to see their teams at
Premier League clubs out with their “Two weeks notice is absolutely
home for the final time.
selections around the League Cup final scandalous.”
weekend. The broadcaster inexplicably
With Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur
chose Manchester City as it’s number
proceeding to the semi-finals of the
one pick for the mid-week games 48 “THIS GOES BEYOND WHO YOU
Champions League, Sky Sports decided
hours after the final (despite City being
to change their original selections SUPPORT, IT GOES BEYOND THE TRIBAL
9-0 up on aggregate in the semi-final
made for the penultimate game of the NATURE OF FOOTBALL, WE SHOULD ALL
at the time).
season. Liverpool’s trip to St James’ BE STANDING TOGETHER BECAUSE IT’S
Park to play Newcastle United, chosen
City predictably went through to the RIDICULOUS. THE PREMIER LEAGUE
for a Sunday 4pm kick-off on May 5th
final but rather than lose the TV game
existed in limbo for a few weeks before SHOULD NOT BE PUNISHING OTHER
to their own short-sightedness, BT
ending up as a Saturday 7.45pm FANS BY FORCING THEM TO BUY NEW
Sport simply brought in other teams
off the bench to fill the slot vacated
kick-off. FLIGHTS, NEW HOTEL BOOKINGS, OR
by Manchester City’s League Cup final GETTING MORE TIME OFF WORK.”
clash - Burnley, Crystal Palace, Leicester
City and Newcastle United fans were
the victims - bringing their games
forward with just four weeks notice.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 11COMMUNITY-O
SINCE 2000 SUPPORTERS DIRECT
HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN
BRINGING DOZENS OF FOOTBALL
CLUBS INTO COMMUNITY
SUCCESS STORIES
Community-owned clubs were led
this season by title winners City of
Tonbridge Angels navigated their way
through Isthmian Premier League play-
off matches against Haringey Borough,
Merstham, and Metropolitan Police
to elevate themselves to the National
OWNERSHIP THROUGHOUT Liverpool FC, who won promotion
League South next season. All this
came after a fourth place finish some
ENGLAND AND WALES. THE to the Northern Premier League
23 points behind champions
FSA’S RICHARD IRVING GIVES North West Division. They were run
Dorking Wanderers.
incredibly close by Bootle FC who
US A RUNDOWN ON HOW OUR
managed a superb winning streak of
COMMUNITY-OWNED CLUBS 20 consecutive games to finish just two
Club chair Dave Netherstreet told us:
“It is great for all the people who have
FARED IN 2018-19. points behind.
supported the club over the years and
who have helped the club through
Unfortunately for City of Liverpool
some of the really tricky moments of
FC they couldn’t make it a league and
the last five years.
cup double as they were defeated by
fellow community-owned club 1874
Northwich in the League Cup final.
“IT IS HOPED THAT THE PROMOTION
AND THE COVERAGE PROVIDED BY BT
SPORT OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE WILL
PROVIDE THE NECESSARY BOOST FOR
THE COMMUNITY TO GET BEHIND US
AND HOPEFULLY PUSH ON.”
(CC) James Boyes
12 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19OWNED CLUBS
THE EFL
OUR HIGHEST RANKED CLUB,
WYCOMBE WANDERERS, IN THEIR
A run of just one defeat in their final 12
games secured their safety in a season
also made memorable by a superb 4-2
win over West Ham United in the FA
Cup fourth round before eventually
being knocked out by Millwall. With
minute winner at the national stadium.
Their season had many other highlights
as, once again, they beat higher level
opposition in the FA Cup, defeating
Premier League Leicester City and
Championship side Middlesbrough
FIRST SEASON BACK IN LEAGUE ONE, just one more season to go before their before finally succumbing to
FINISHED IN 17TH PLACE. IN THE move to a new ground back at Plough Manchester City at Rodney Parade in
Lane in Wimbledon these are exciting the fifth round, despite holding the
SAME DIVISION AFC WIMBLEDON
times for the club. Premier League champions until the
FACED AN UPHILL STRUGGLE TO AVOID 51st minute.
RELEGATION BACK TO LEAGUE TWO, In League Two, Exeter City were in
HAVING SPENT MUCH OF THE EARLY with a chance of reaching the play-offs
with just a handful of games to go, but
PART OF THE YEAR IN THE
a poor run of two wins in eight games
RELEGATION ZONE. put paid to their hopes.
Following a solid 2017-18 season,
Newport County put together an
astonishing campaign that led them to
Wembley and a League Two play-off
final against Tranmere Rovers which,
ultimately, saw them defeated by a last-
(CC) James Boyes
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 13play-offs only to be defeated in the in a division containing Manchester
NON-LEAGUE qualifying round by Wealdstone in United, Tottenham Hotspur, and
front of more than 2,200 fans at Crystal Palace.
Twerton Park.
In the National League, Wrexham will
In the Isthmian League North, at Step
have to spend at least another year
In the Southern League Premier Four, Grays Athletic improved on their
outside the EFL as the strength in the
Division South, Merthyr Town, 16th place finish last season by finishing
league of Leyton Orient and Salford
Dorchester Town, and Hendon all seventh, despite still ground sharing
City prevailed, and the club fell to
finished in mid-table, whilst in the at Aveley. They will look to push for
defeat at the hands of Eastleigh in
Southern League Premier Division promotion back up to Step Three
the play-offs.
Central, AFC Rushden and Diamonds next season.
and Banbury United finished in
Near neighbours Chester finished three
ninth and 17th places respectively. Scarborough Athletic’s hopes of
points short of the National League
At the same level in the Isthmian reaching the Northern Premier Division
North play-offs while Darlington, in
Premier Division, Enfield Town and play-offs were dashed with just one
their first year back in the division,
Lewes couldn’t reach the heady heights game to go following eight league
finished a creditable 16th.
of Tonbridge Angels but finished in defeats since New Year’s Day. The club
10th and 11th places respectively, the ended their first season at the new level
Unfortunately, after four seasons in the
latter in their first season back at with an eighth place finish. Boro also
National League North, FC United of
Step Three. reached the North Riding Senior Cup
Manchester were relegated back to the
final for the second successive year,
Northern Premier League.
A special mention should also be beating Marske United 3-2 on penalties
made of the Lewes Women’s team, after a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough’s
Our representatives in the National
who in their own first season in the FA Riverside Stadium.
League South, Bath City, reached the
Women’s Championship finished ninth
14 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19COMMUNITY-
OWNED
(CC) James Boyes
Our other Northern Premier League
CLUBS
Fisher were another of our teams to In their first season of competition,
clubs, Hyde United and Bamber steadily improve and finish third in Clapton Community Football Club
Bridge, finished in 10th and 16th places the Southern Counties League East took the Middlesex County Football
respectively, with Hyde attracting a Division, while our two remaining Step League Division 1 (Central and East)
crowd of nearly 800 for their final day Five clubs, Peacehaven and Telscombe title pipping Stonewall FC by one point
clash against Stalybridge Celtic. in the Southern Combination Premier and gaining promotion in front of 1,200
and Saffron Walden Town in the Essex fans. A league and league cup double
Our two teams in the Northern Premier Senior League finished tenth and follows an incredibly successful year
League First Division West, Runcorn fourth respectively. which, amongst many other things in
Linnets and Prescot Cables, both their community, saw them sell more
missed out on the play-offs, finishing At Step Six, AFC Liverpool finished than 12,000 of their famous second
in sixth and seventh place – with the third in the North West Counties First strip shirts to owners across the world.
former missing out on goal difference Division North, Hinckley AFC 16th in Finally, in the Welsh Football League,
to Ramsbottom United. In the Southern the Midland League First Division. In Ton Pentre endured a difficult season
League Division One Central Kempston the Wessex League Premier Division, finishing bottom of Division One.
Rovers finished 13th. Newport (IOW) finished sixth,
Wythenshawe Amateurs took fourth Here’s hoping for a successful 2019-
At Step Five, City of Liverpool aside, place in the North West Counties 2020 season for all our clubs!
our other three teams in the North League Division One South, and
West Counties Premier Division Newark Town achieved ninth place Design Note
endured mixed fortunes. Congleton in the Central Midlands League.
Town were some way behind City of
Liverpool in third, 1874 Northwich
finished 10th, but did win the League
Cup, and Litherland REMYCA
finished 15th.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 15FA CUP TICKET PRICES
THE FA AGREED A REDUCTION IN The FA’s decision to reduce the ticket Last season, the FA was criticised for
prices followed concerted lobbying introducing inflation-busting price hikes
TICKET PRICES FOR 3,000 TICKETS AT
and discussions with supporters, led without consulting supporters – the
THIS YEAR’S FA CUP FINAL FOLLOWING by supporter organisations around FA responded by meeting fans and
LOBBYING EFFORTS BY SUPPORTER the country and our supporter increasing the concessionary saving on
REPRESENTATIVES – BUT MANY representatives on the FA Council. the most expensive tickets (from £10 to
FANS REMAIN UNHAPPY WITH THIS £25) and committed to not increasing
Tom Greatrex, our FA Council supporter the price of semi-final and final tickets
SEASON’S PRICING. representative said: “Fans have beyond the rate of inflation until 2022
rightfully raised concerns about the at the earliest.
1,500 tickets in the lower band behind
ticket prices we’ve seen at Wembley
both goals (3,000 total) at Wembley
for the semi-finals and finals – some Tom said: “While this is a step in the
Stadium were reduced from £115 to
of the highest for national cup finals in right direction, we feel the FA could go
£70, a total saving for supporters in
European football. further in making the Wembley fixtures
those areas of around £135,000.
more affordable for match-going fans.
Fans are still unhappy with the high
“Supporters are integral to the success
costs of attending the Wembley “THE FA NEEDS TO
of the competition – a competition
fixtures – particularly the thousands REMEMBER THAT WITHOUT which the FA markets on its tradition,
paying in excess of £100. Manchester
DEDICATED SUPPORTERS FILLING authenticity and atmosphere.”
City’s 1894 Group said: “This year’s
WEMBLEY FOR THE CUP FINAL IT
final prices have been dressed up as
Alongside supporter organisations
price freezes whereas in reality they WOULDN’T BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF
at club level, the FSA will continue
are massively out of step with the THE FOOTBALLING CALENDAR THAT to push the FA for a fundamental
cup final prices in other major WE KNOW AND LOVE.” review of ticket pricing at the FA Cup’s
European countries.
Wembley fixtures, as well as other
issues impacting the competition this
“How many true fans who have been
season – such as kick-off times, travel
going for decades have had to miss out
difficulties and disruption caused by
because of the prices? Once you price
broadcasting selections.
traditional fans out, who will
replace them?”
16 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19MORE TO DO
BACK IN FEBRUARY IT WAS EFL AWAY PRICES UNDER EUROPEAN PRICES: FANS
CONFIRMED THAT THE POPULAR AND THE MICROSCOPE CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
SUCCESSFUL £30 AWAY TICKET PRICE
CAP IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE WOULD
Beyond the success of the £30 price You may have noticed some English
RUN FOR ANOTHER THREE SEASONS.
cap in the Premier League, ticket prices teams did very well in European
remain a thorny issue in the EFL. competitions this season, but that
The current competition-wide cap
success has made for some (very)
was introduced at the start of the
With other leagues such as France’s expensive seasons for fans following
2016-17 season, following sustained
Ligue 1 also introducing competition- their teams.
campaigning by supporters across the
wide price caps for away tickets (€10)
country led by the then-FSF under the
the EFL Championship has suddenly Too many big clubs in Europe charge
“Twenty’s Plenty” banner.
become one of the most expensive visiting supporters far too much.
places in the world to be an away fan. Barcelona were one of the main
Since its introduction three years ago,
offenders this year, charging Liverpool
the £30 cap on away prices in the
and Manchester United fans €119 to
Premier League has saved millions of
see their teams from the top tier of
pounds for away fans.
Camp Nou.
FSA chief executive Kevin Miles said:
Both clubs stepped in to subsidise
“We have always argued that away
the price, and said they would be
supporter attendance needs to be
charging Barcelona fans more to make
encouraged if the atmosphere and
up the difference in the return legs -
spectacle of a live football match is to
something we’ve been describing as
be sustained.
“revenge pricing”.
According to analysis by journalist
Dubas Fischer published this year, Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly group
“WE STILL BELIEVE MORE CAN BE 80% of Championship matches had said: “Success comes with expense, but
DONE AND WE CALL ON THE PREMIER standard, advanced, adult tickets priced that does not have to mean extortion
at £30 or less - with 77 fixtures coming – Barcelona’s pricing structure for this
LEAGUE TO LOOK AT WAYS TO
in above that. stage of the Champions League is an
FURTHER REDUCE CONCESSIONARY elitist joke.”
TICKET COSTS AND SUBSIDISE FANS’ The average cost of an away ticket
TRAVEL COSTS WHEN GAMES ARE in the division stands at £27.04. The
MOVED FOR TV.” worst offenders included Leeds United,
who charged visiting fans an average
of £37.82 per ticket; Birmingham,
meanwhile, charged £19.12.
We continue to lobby UEFA on
such extreme price gouging and the
pressure is beginning to tell - president
Aleksander Čeferin conceded earlier
this year they would have to consider
competition-wide price caps.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 17CLUBS IN
CRISIS
There’s no set definition of a club in
crisis but fans know it when they see
it - if it looks like a duck, swims like a
We see an unscrupulous owner running
our beloved club into the ground. The
law sees a business owner making his
The problem is tightening up rules
which are written by owners with a
vested interest. The EFL sees itself
duck, and quacks like a duck, then it or her own decisions about their own primarily as a members club not
probably is a duck. investment and won’t intervene, as long a regulator.
as they follow the laws of the land and
Clubs with an endless stream of unpaid pay tax. Meanwhile the FA has never fully
creditors and fall outs with HMRC. grasped its own role as regulator,
Owners who react to fan protests with The Conservative Party sees itself as instead shifting its focus to the
self-defeating threats. Media calls for the party of business so there’s been national teams, disciplinary issues, and
FA action. Player wages going unpaid. no legislative movement and the past grassroots administrative matters.
few years have hardly been ideal terrain
Even within a club’s own fanbase not for that anyway, given the enormous WHAT THE FA NEEDS TO DO
every single supporter will comfortably focus on Brexit.
accept the label but there comes a Our proposals to the FA rest on
point when everybody knows, including THE EFL two key principles. Firstly, that the
the football authorities. significance of football clubs is properly
The EFL has in recent years prided recognised. These are not just ordinary
The easy part is identifying the clubs in itself on how few administrations have businesses, whatever the law might say,
crisis and analysing their problems but actually occurred, although that has and if you are involved in the football
the tricky bit is finding ways to fix changed now with Bolton Wanderers industry you must recognise that.
the problem. going into administration.
Clubs are cultural commodities, the
As supporters we see football clubs Of course the scarcity of clubs in biggest expression of community
for the uniquely special entities they administration was hardly consolation identity in our country, with loyalty built
are: history, importance to the local to supporters of Blackpool, Charlton up over generations. They should be
community, decades spent going to Athletic, Coventry City, Hull City, Leyton afforded levels of protection in keeping
games with friends and family or Orient, Morecambe, or others who have with listed buildings or conservation
taking your own kids. all fallen out with owners at various areas. It is not appropriate to treat
points in recent seasons. them as if they were supermarket or
But legally they are businesses and mobile provider.
they exist within the laws of the land.
18 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19Secondly, massive conflicts of interest The Code of Practice on the If our proposals are put into force and
exist within the game and they must Stewardship of Football Clubs would implemented there’d be a significant
be removed. The Premier League, EFL, set out new guidance for clubs (and reduction in the number of clubs
and National League are effectively owners) on a range of issues which in crisis. Without real action the
member bodies for football clubs and have caused problems over the years supporters of those clubs will
supporters don’t accept that self- - name changes, playing colours and continue to suffer.
regulation works. badges, stadium location, and
training facilities. The damaging actions of a small
Regulatory decisions should be taken handful of rogue owners overshadows
by people with a suitable level of Prospective owners should outline the good work at the majority of clubs
independence, with support from business plans that demonstrate and reflects poorly on the game’s
external expertise where needed, to their capability to run a football club commitment to good governance.
avoid the conflicts of interest which sustainably, in accordance with the
currently exist. Code of Practice and its requirements Good owners must stand up, be
to engage with the club’s supporters counted, and make their case
The FA is the best placed organisation and other stakeholders. alongside supporters. It’s in all of
to do this and should be the our best interests.
game’s regulator. Crucially, proposed owners shouldn’t be
allowed to use shares in a club to raise FSA ACTION
FA PROPOSALS funds to complete their purchase. This
restriction would avoid repetition of
Beneath these core principles we have recent examples where new ownership Our proposals presented to a meeting
made a series of proposals to the FA has seen significant new debt loaded of the FA Board, a first for a supporters’
including a new Code of Practice on onto a club, rather than the new owner. group. The Board welcomed the
the Stewardship of Football Clubs. proposals and asked us develop a more
Owners should also have to deliver focussed package to take forward for
While the FA, Premier League, EFL, a bond to the FA which the owner implementation, with the FA, Premier
and National League have all taken forfeits if the club failed to honour League, EFL and National League.
steps in recent years to protect clubs, wages, tax commitments and so on. Further meetings with the FA and the
their actions are too often undermined Proposed owners would continue to be leagues are scheduled. The FSA AGM in
by the actions of a small number of subject to current checks and directors June 2019 will be asked to endorse
renegade owners. should face their own separate checks. the proposals.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 19CLUBS IN CRISIS 20 | The FSA Annual Report 2018_19
FURTHER READING CORE PRINCIPLES:
If you’d like further details on our 1. CLUBS MUST BE RECOGNISED
proposals - 10,627 words of further
FOR THEIR CULTURAL IMPORTANCE.
detail! - we’re happy to send the full set
of proposals with supporting appendix THEY ARE NOT NORMAL BUSINESSES.
to members. Get in touch.
2. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST HAVE
The work has been coordinated by
TO BE REMOVED. CLUBS CANNOT
FSA chair Malcolm Clarke and special
thanks should go to Roger Ellis (Sky REGULATE THEMSELVES AND THE
Blues Trust) whose expertise has FA MUST STEP IN.
proven invaluable.
FROM THE GROUND...
On 13th June 2019 it was announced to colleagues at Coventry City, Bury,
that the Oystons were finally out of Bolton Wanderers, and all the other
Blackpool FC with lifelong fan Simon clubs who have been failed to make
Sadler taking a 96% shareholding. sure that their plight continues to
Blackpool Supporters’ Trust (BST) said be highlighted.”
they were “delighted” with the news
that the Oyston’s 31-year reign was For BST chair and FSA National Council
finally over. member Christine Seddon the hard
work begins now. “Everything needs
“For years, we as supporters have rebuilding, from the training ground
campaigned with vigour and with and the Bloomfield Road pitch through
decency to see the regime change at the academy system, the managerial
Bloomfield Road, with little support set-up, the squad,” said Christine. “It’s a
from the football authorities,” said BST. new start that lies ahead – new owners,
new infrastructure, new staff, new kit,
“We will continue to campaign with new sponsors, new ambitions. The only
energy for wholesale regulatory real constant, as at any great club, is
reform of English football. We owe it the fan base.”
The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 | 21INTERNATIONAL
FREE LIONESSES
FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR WE
HAVE EXTENDED OUR FANS’ EMBASSY
Offering our usual mix of behind the
scenes advice and assistance along
women’s game more generally.
At the time of going to press England
with a presence in each host city had qualified for the last 16 through
SERVICE TO FOLLOWERS OF THE around every game that England victories in their opening three group
WOMEN’S GAME, WITH THE LAUNCH play, we hope that this will mark stage games. We will hopefully be with
OF FREE LIONESSES, OUR FANZINE the beginning of a long-running them all the way to Lyon for the final on
FOR FANS OF THE ENGLAND WOMEN’S relationship following the women’s Sunday 7th July.
team at major tournaments, which
TEAM ATTENDING THE 2019 WORLD highlights our ongoing work in the You can follow the team on Twitter
CUP IN FRANCE. @FreeLionesses
22 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19FREE LIONS
After a (perhaps) longer-than-expected Free Lions continues to go from that little bit further, before rounding
stay in Russia last summer, the Free strength to strength as we’ve now off this season’s activities with a match
Lions fans’ embassy team could have racked up 167 issues, and we’re already in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
been forgiven for looking forward to a looking forward to autumn trips to
little break. Prague, Sofia, as well as a first fixture Our colleagues at FSA Cymru provided
away in Kosovo, on our route to the their fans’ embassy services at each
Given the unusual situation of England’s Euro 2020 finals. game, along with fundraising efforts
Nations League match against Croatia for local orphanages with their partners
in Rijeka being played behind closed
FSA CYMRU Gôl Cymru.
doors, they got a few extra days off
before travelling to Seville in October Unfortunately defeats in both June
for England’s excellent 3-2 away victory fixtures leaves Ryan Giggs’ men with
Following last year’s trips to the USA
against Spain, securing England’s an uphill task of qualifying for next
and China things were ‘back to normal’
qualification for the Nations League summer’s tournament.
for the Welsh fans’ embassy team this
finals this summer.
year, finishing off their Nations League
FSA Cymru will continue to work with
campaigns with games in Denmark
There they joined hosts Portugal along the FA of Wales, with particular focus
and Ireland.
with Switzerland and the Netherlands, on the issues of ticket harvesting and
who likewise topped their Nations issues around providing ID at matches
While Dublin and Aarhus are not too
League groups. to ensure that named ticket holders
far off the beaten track, their trips
get in.
to Elbasan in Albania for a friendly
The disappointment in the performance
in November 2018, and a Euro 2020
on the pitch in Guimarães in the semi-
qualifier in Osijek in Croatia (June 2019)
final against the Netherlands didn’t
tested the limits of their preparation
detract from another great trip, and
another surprising penalty shoot-out
victory, this time against Switzerland.
We’re almost beginning to make a habit
of them.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 23FSF AWARDS 2018
Arsenal’s Beth Mead picked up “Usually I share any awards
WITH MORE THAN 366,000 the trophy for the Women’s with my teammates and all the
Player of the Year, with staff at Liverpool, but on this
VOTES CAST, THE FSF AWARDS IN
Mohamed Salah topping the occasion I would like also to
PARTNERSHIP WITH VIRGIN MEDIA fans’ vote for the Men’s Player dedicate it to the Liverpool fans
ARE THE LARGEST SUPPORTER-LED of the Year award, holding off for their incredible support.
AWARDS IN THE UK, AND THE 2018 competition from runner-up Thank you. ”
Eden Hazard.
EVENT RETURNED TO THE TOWER OF
Other winners on the night
LONDON TO CROWN THE BEST IN Salah said: “Thank you for this included Sky Sports duo
THE GAME. award, it means so much to Gary Neville and Martin Tyler,
me because it was voted for Football365.com and the
by supporters. Guardian, who picked up a
hat-trick of awards for best
newspaper, best podcast, and
best writer.
24 | The FSA Annual Report 2018_19MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR COMMENTATOR OF THE YEAR PODCAST OF THE YEAR
MOHAMED SALAH (Liverpool) MARTIN TYLER THE GUARDIAN FOOTBALL WEEKLY
WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR FANS FOR DIVERSITY AWARD PUNDIT OF THE YEAR
BETH MEAD (Arsenal) PROUD LILYWHITES (Spurs) GARY NEVILLE
AWAY DAY OF THE YEAR FANZINE OF THE YEAR RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR
PRESTON NORTH END POPULARSTAND (Doncaster Rovers) 606
NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICER OF THE YEAR
FAN MEDIA OF THE YEAR
THE GUARDIAN TONY BARRETT (Liverpool)
ARSEBLOG
ONLINE MEDIA OF THE YEAR WRITER OF THE YEAR
CLUB PODCAST OF THE YEAR
FOOTBALL365.COM BARNEY RONAY
FROM THE ROOKERY END (Watford)
NATIONAL GAME COMMUNITY AWARD
CURZON ASHTON FC
FOR THE FULL SHORTLISTS IN EACH CATEGORY, HEAD TO WWW.BIT.LY/FSF-SHORTLISTS
The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 | 25AWAY FANS SURVEY
SINCE IT BEGAN BACK IN 2012, MORE THAN 20,000 OF YOU HAVE TAKEN
THE TIME TO GIVE US YOUR OPINIONS AS PART OF OUR AWAY FANS SURVEY.
We collate ratings on everything Because of the work we’ve done over Some of the comments are well
from the price of matchday pies to the past eight years, clubs are able thought out, well constructed pieces
the position of the away sector and to see where they are, whether the of feedback highlighting specific areas
everything in-between. changes they are making have had an of concern that need to be addressed.
effect, and the areas in which they still Others, not so much. Judge for yourself
All your feedback (good and bad) gets need to improve. which is which.
passed to clubs via their Supporter
Liaison Officers. We also share our Data is all well and good but we also We’ve also anonymised some clubs
datasets with each of our affiliate give people the opportunity to offer as we find they’re more likely to act
supporter groups, so they can see the specific comments which the survey on criticism when they’re informed
concerns away fans have about their might not cover. privately - public shaming often leads
ground, and can take them up with to them digging their heels in.
their own club.
26 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19THE GOOD
• I really appreciated the welcome • It’s
the stewards that make it for whoever was in charge on
that the [Club]’s fans and club put me. Been a couple of times now and realising that none were needed
on for us, it was relaxed, friendly and they’re one of the best. The fact that for this fixture.
welcoming - which definitely didn’t they are happy to let you out to have
prepare us for just how dirty their a smoke at half time is brilliant. Just • A lovely gesture at the end of the
team was! shows what intelligent people you match to hand out the pastries that
have as stewards. hadn’t been sold.
• Great vibe at the outside bar - police
on horseback really friendly too, • For
once in away end plenty of ladies • Excellent leg room. Excellent fanzone
stewards in the away end sensible toilets! It was a community day and with band playing, food outlets and
and relaxed about standing and goal [Club] had organised very good real ale outside of ground. Very
celebrations. Impressive. events for children including those friendly atmosphere. Good pricing
visiting and with learning disabilities at £20.
THERE WAS FREE COLD WATER
• The
ability to use contactless cards • [Club] bring a bit of what is good
IN THE CONCOURSE TO DRINK about non-League to the match day
is very good and other clubs
- A GOOD TOUCH. should copy. experience. They are friendly from
the off and treat away fans as adults.
• Nice to see the local police be
• Excellent
DJ playing before the game Not all away fans will respect that
proactive and helpful with respect but on the night I went it worked
in the away end. Played songs that
to away supporters on social media very well.
were for the away fans.
they’re probably up with the best
policing I’ve seen on my travels. • Police at [Club] are excellent. Pre
• Didn’t
see any police, even outside
South Yorkshire Police take note. match Twitter and face to face.
the ground. Congratulations to
MUST DO BETTER THE UGLY
• The half-time “entertainment” was • As
with every ground, get more • If there is ever a competition for
by far the worst I’ve ever seen in a staff serving at the bars. It’s not most mean minded but complacent
sporting arena of any description, rocket science. club in the entire universe, [Club] can
utterly dreadful. count on my vote.
• I’d
like there to be more TVs for
• My son was picked out by a sniffer away fans so that they can watch an • Their clappers used by the home
dog and IMMEDIATELY treated like a earlier game which is being televised fans are a total embarrassment
criminal. The reality was that the dog live and it would encourage fans to and should be banned from
wanted his used McDonalds wrapper get in the stadium earlier and buy football completely.
in his pocket. No apologies from the refreshments.
security staff. Very embarrassing to • Can’t fault the stadium. Refreshments
be searched in front of big queues • Before
kick off the home team was poor, cocky, arrogant, fawning PA at
who automatically think you announced but not the away team half time. It’s [Club], wouldn’t expect
are guilty. which I found disrespectful. anything different.
• PA system far too loud and intrusive • When
leaving the match, the lighting • Many seats were very dirty. Pigeons!
- completely destroyed the ability for was not particularly good and
either home or away fans to create this combined with the poor car [GROUND] IS A S**T HOLE,
any kind of atmosphere despite parking surface, positioning of the
FLATTEN IT AND START AGAIN.
best efforts. away coaches and damaged street
furniture was not good, and could
• This ground needs demolishing.
have been dangerous.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 27SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICER
TONY BARRETT RIP JONATHAN
local support and its growing Sadly at the tail end of 2018 Jonathan
international audience? Waite, the respected and well-liked
Supporter Liaison Officer at Tottenham
“A major challenge for Liverpool, Hotspur, died suddenly at the age
like any big Premier League club is of 48.
retaining that local connection as the
Premier League goes global – because Jonathan was a genuine advocate of
like it or not it has become global. fans within the game and his work at
THIS YEAR’S SUPPORTER LIAISON Spurs led him to win the SLO of the
“Traditionally you had a dressing room Year Award at our awards in 2016. “It
OFFICER OF THE YEAR WINNER
to community connection, but when was impossible not to like, respect and
(P24-25) WAS LIVERPOOL’S TONY the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven get on with Jonathan,” said Katrina
BARRETT, WHO HAS HELPED Gerrard move on, how do you maintain Law and Martin Cloake, co-chairs of
TRANSFORM SUPPORTER that link?” Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust.
RELATIONS ON MERSEYSIDE.
Liverpool have launched numerous
community initiatives, such as Red
“I don’t think the club was out of touch
Neighbours in the L4 postcode to
necessarily,” Tony says about the state
bolster its presence in the immediate
of play when he came into the role.
neighbourhoods around Anfield.
“But the relationship between the
club and supporters had definitely
“We all want what’s best for the club,”
become strained.”
Tony says. “But at any big institution
Before Tony joined discontent had been
there’s going to be competing interests, “HE DEALT WITH EVERY CHALLENGE
competing ambitions - you just have to
rising and things came to a head in - AND THERE WERE MANY - WITH
try to do what’s right for the club. And
2016 when the club published planned
not everyone’s always going to agree PATIENCE AND GOOD HUMOUR.
ticket price hikes, leading to protest in
with you or the club’s position.”
the stands and walkouts led by Spirit of “HE LISTENED AND HE ADVISED AND
Shankly and Spion Kop 1906. The club
Compared to the nadir of the 2016 GUIDED, AND WE LEARNED SO MUCH
listened and backed down.
walkouts, relations on Merseyside are FROM HIM. SIMPLY PUT, HE JUST
“I was approached by Liverpool
now much warmer. GOT IT.” THST
several months before I took the role,”
“The biggest improvement over the last
said Tony, who has a background in
12 months has been the embracing of
journalism, becoming a respected voice
supporter culture. You’ve got to listen
amongst Scousers along the way.
to supporters and have that network
to draw on but there needs to be more
“It was a special moment for me and
understanding of the role.
a huge honour - and it would be a
fundamental change in career,” he said.
“Fans need to know that the SLO is
“But it was a chance to influence the
often the one fighting their corner in
club and make a positive contribution.”
meetings. There’s a real person behind
that role that just wants what’s best for
So how can a club the size of Liverpool
you and the club.”
balance the interests of its traditional
28 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19SUPPORTER
and/or senior executives. This is up
MEMORANDUMS
OF UNDERSTANDING
8% from the previous year.
• 3
9% of respondents said their club
ENGAGEMENT
either misunderstands or doesn’t act
A Memorandum of Understanding
upon the guidelines, although this is
(MoU) is a public document signed
an improvement as almost half (48%)
between two parties, such as a fan
of fan representatives said the same
group and a club. The MoU isn’t legally
last year.
binding, but it does commit both
parties to certain practices, such as a
Premier League and EFL clubs are
• 8
6% didn’t believe, or were unsure,
commitment to open dialogue. Think
that clubs would be sanctioned
mandated by their respective leagues financial analysis, stadium issues, and
by a league for not conforming to
to meet with fans twice per season, at a ownership of the club.
regulations.
minimum, and no issue should be “off-
the-table”.
Deborah Dilworth our EFL network
manager, said: “The survey shows
The Department for Digital, Culture,
dialogue is in a healthy state, but
Media and Sport (DCMS) guidelines
unfortunately there remains a handful
are in place and the leagues have
of clubs where this isn’t the case.
incorporated versions of these into
their rulebooks.
“THERE’S DEFINITELY ROOM FOR
Last year we surveyed fan groups
IMPROVEMENT AND WE’LL CONTINUE
to find out how their clubs were It’s an attempt to move away from club
implementing supporter engagement
TO SUPPORT FANS AT CLUBS WHERE
v fan dynamic to a more constructive
and to asses the picture was across- THE GOVERNMENT’S GUIDELINES relationship.
the-board - afterwards, feeding that AREN’T BEING MET.”
information back to the sports minister. Doncaster Rovers, Fulham, Grimsby
Seventy three clubs were covered in The research also showed that fans Town, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest,
the results. want a clear distinction between and Rochdale AFC have already signed
promotional or social fans forum-style MoUs with their own club’s
HERE’S WHAT SUPPORTER events and engagement meetings - supporters’ trusts.
GROUPS TOLD US: where 52% of fans wanted to hear from
CEOs on more difficult topics such as
• 84% of clubs are meeting with ownership and financial data.
supporters at least twice per season.
This matches previous survey’s FSA ACTION We will continue to raise
results which reported 85%. cases where engagement guidelines
aren’t being met with DCMS, the EFL,
• 94% of clubs are fielding appropriate and Premier League.
people – either owners, directors
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 29FANS FOR DIVER
FANS FOR DIVERSITY
It’s been another busy year for the Fans
for Diversity campaign as we continue
GUIDANCE GROUP
The 2018-19 season has been the first
year where the Fans for Diversity
CLUB FORUMS
It’s been a privilege for Fans for
Diversity to take part in many club
to grow and develop our work across Guidance Group has been in full swing. forums this season - events which give
all strands of diversity. supporters a direct path to talk about
The group is a small network of like- diversity issues with their players,
Almost every weekend somewhere in minded individuals from across football coaches and senior management.
the country there will be a Fans for who provide valuable feedback on the
Diversity event, and we’re extremely current work of our campaign, as well Our most recent club forum at the time
proud of the work we’ve done helping as suggesting and exploring new areas of writing was at Griffin Park with Fans
supporters over the last five years. of work. for Diversity’s Anwar Uddin, Brentford’s
manager, players, and Liam Rosenior on
Our work has expanded rapidly to The Guidance Group is a great way a panel answering fans’ questions. We
cover all diversity strands - covering for supporters to get involved in the covered some big topics such as ‘would
LGBT, black and ethnic minority Fans for Diversity campaign and help you pull your players off the pitch if
backgrounds, disability - so that fans promote diversity at the match. We’re they received racist abuse?’ which
from all walks of life feel confident extremely grateful for the advice and showed how valuable these events are
coming to us for help with support the group has given to the - we look forward to rolling out more
their initiatives. FSA already. club forums in the 2019-20 season.
30 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19RSITY
AWARD WINNERS:
PROUD LILYWHITES
The Fans for Diversity award is now in
its third year and the winners of 2018-19
prize were Proud Lilywhites for their
fantastic work on LGBT issues.
Established in 2014, the Proud
Lilywhites have become a well-
established and respected group within
the supporters’ movement - in the last
12 months they’ve helped Tottenham
Hotspur Foundation appoint a
dedicated LGBT co-ordinator and
embed LGBT inclusion in the
club’s work.
Co-chair Chris Paouros said: “We were
delighted, we weren’t expecting it at
all. There’s so much brilliant work that
goes on in this area. So the fact that
we’ve been recognised for the work
we’ve been doing over the last four
years is wonderful.”
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 31WHEN
FOOTBALL
UNITES
THIS SEASON THE BURGEONING
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN FANS OF
The two groups made contact through
the Fans for Diversity network back in
the autumn of 2018, meeting for the
Fans for Diversity campaigns officer
Maria Horner said: “This was an
opportunity to bring two very different
BRADFORD AND LINCOLN CITY first time at Valley Parade in October. groups together through football to
WAS THE SUBJECT OF A NEW The Bradford City hosts taught the meet and learn about each other.
FILM CELEBRATING THEIR visiting Lincoln City fans how to make
RELATIONSHIP VIA THE FANS pakora, took them round the Bantams’
ground and visited the Bradford City
FOR DIVERSITY CAMPAIGN. “TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO
Fire Memorial.
ORDINARILY WOULD NEVER HAVE
When Football Unites is a short
Then in November the Lady Imps MET - BUILDING UNDERSTANDING
documentary by film-maker Liam
returned the favour - hosting a group AND FRIENDSHIPS THROUGH THE
Sullivan that documents the
of Bradford City fans at Sincil Bank
blossoming relationship, and cultural POWER OF FOOTBALL.”
and taking them to the RAF’s Battle of
exchange, between the Lady Imps
Britain Memorial centre in Lincoln.
Supporters Association and the
Bangla Bantams. The film debuted back in January at the
Natural Science and Media Museum in
Bradford and is set to be shown again
in July during the Bradford Festival.
32 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19NON-LEAGUE: into the landscape of the football decisions - often a bigger club will
community. This in turn should have a single point of contact and
PROMOTING INCLUSION encourage more people to attend some resources too, which can help.
matches, support their club With smaller clubs it can be harder
and community. because the people involved are
There are huge numbers of people who very much focussed on week to
haven’t experienced a match but who • T
o educate and challenge the week survival and ensuring the
carry misconceptions and fears; some narrative around discrimination match goes on!
based on negative media coverage, and abuse. One way we do this
which hasn’t until more recently begun by bringing people of different This leaves less time for the ‘nice to do’
to balance out with the reality of the backgrounds together in solidarity projects, but where there is a will, we
match going experience. – football is for everyone and if you find a way to help.
share the same team even more so!
So over my first year with the FSA it’s There is a lot to love about non-
been a pleasure to extend the Fans for And the elephant in the room? Yes, league - those in it, know it. It survives
Diversity campaign’s ground-breaking there are still problems with racist and and is cherished thanks to dedicated
work into non-league football – homophobic abuse and all manner individuals, supporters and volunteers,
showing people that there is great live of other abuses. There is no quick yet sometimes it’s invisible in its own
football on their doorstep, and helping fix, but as individuals we can make wider community – I’d like to see
those who wouldn’t normally consider a difference; visible support for our that change.
it get into the matchday habit. campaign partner Kick it Out – wear a
sticker, re-tweet the message against
OUR IMPORTANT WORK discrimination, help your fellow
HAS THREE KEY AIMS: supporters by endorsing or getting
involved in projects which bring people
together - and find a way to make a
• To communicate with people who
may not think football is for them matchday welcome for those who may
(which includes underrepresented be different to you, even if it’s just
groups and marginalised a smile.
communities), and to build bridges
between those people, existing In non-league we’re encouraging clubs
supporters and football clubs to to start somewhere, to reach out into Maria Horner,
create space for a welcome to their different communities and to try Fans for Diversity campaigns officer
everyone at football. to engage supporters in that process.
While you may think it’s easier to work
with a small club - fewer departments
• To help support those groups to
become more visible and accepted or individuals to be involved in making
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 33You can also read
