Charlton Athletic fans could join disgruntled supporters at other clubs in protest at EFL HQ
Charlton Athletic fans look set to join other clubs in a joint protest at the EFL’s headquarters next month.
Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet [CARD] reignited their demonstrations against the Addicks’ Belgian owner at the weekend.
The EFL have already said they want to meet with Charlton Athletic and Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust to determine the key issues.
Rick Everitt, a prominent member of CARD and also fanzine editor for Voice of The Valley, said no other protests are planned.
But he added: “We are also looking at the bigger picture and the situation with the EFL. There has been talk of a joint protest at the EFL by all the disaffected clubs.
“It is important the EFL have acknowledged there is a problem and an issue [at Charlton].
“It is whether there is any meaningful action. When they ask to meet a representative of the club I don’t think there is anyone that can usefully represent the club other than Duchatelet. That is where they need to put pressure on – to speak to him. I don’t think they’ll be impressed if they do have a conversation with him.”
CARD’s latest protest hit the headlines. Everitt transported 2,220 bags of crisps to The Valley for Saturday’s home game against Fleetwood, a dig at one member of staff needing to ask permission to eat the snack at her desk after the cleaning budget was cut.
The stunt cost £180.
“We continue to get value for money from the donations made by supporters who want us to protest,” said Everitt.
“Tesco actually couldn’t supply eight more jumbo bags, we exhausted their warehouse supplies.
“The serious point was to attract people to the plight of the staff. A number of the protesters came purely to do that and then went home.”
Everitt has chosen to boycott games at The Valley this season.
“I absolutely understand those that don’t take that stance. People go for social reasons – to meet up with friends and family. Or force of habit. But I think if there is anyone left who doesn’t think there are serious problems at Charlton then they are deluding themselves.”
IMAGES BY PAUL EDWARDS
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