A West Brom fan group has responded to the protest by Reading fans outside the Houses of Parliament calling for an independent regulator to be brought in immediately.
Speaking to iNews on Thursday (14 December), Ali Jones, the founder of Action For Albion, said it shows the “strength of unity” in fans after the Royals campaign group Sell Before We Dai unveiled a large display, showing the badges of fellow beleaguered clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, Southend, Scunthorpe, Morecambe, Derby, Wigan, Everton and the Baggies.
A source at The 1867 Group, who are organising campaign action against Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri, told the newspaper they were “fully in support” of the London protest, but that members of the group have asked to remain anonymous for fear of being banned from attending games.
“It shows the strength of unity in fans that the football community all pulls together in times of crisis,” said Jones. “Football has an ownership problem, and while we hope we are close to ending our particular nightmare, that doesn’t change the fact football in this country is broken.
“We firmly believe the introduction of an independent regulator with powers to change is crucial in the journey to fixing the pyramid. The current bodies have had over 30 years to fix it and have failed miserably. It has to change.”
Stick together
It’s extremely important that football fans stick together in times of crisis and offer support to those who are currently being affected by the actions of their owners.
It is absolutely time for an independent regular to come into force to prevent more clubs from being taken to the brink following poor ownership.
There are several clubs – as seen in the protest by Reading supporters – that are currently struggling to stay afloat after unfit individuals have been allowed to make mistake after mistake.
It’s ridiculous that Sheffield Wednesday fans feel they can’t speak their minds openly for fear that they may be banned from attending their team’s matches.
While the situation for Albion remains precarious, there could be a resolution soon as takeover talks are believed to be advancing, with an American consortium leading the race to take over at the Hawthorns.
