EFL plan to meet Charlton Athletic and Addicks supporters as protests resume at The Valley

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

The EFL are planning to meet Charlton Athletic and Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust – with the latest protest only underlining the rift between fans and Roland Duchatelet.

The Addicks’ Belgian owner is operating a cost-cutting drive at the League One club and recently decided not to pay bonuses due to many of the staff.

Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet [CARD} demonstrated again on Saturday.

Supporters also threw packets of crisps from the stands, in reference to a member of staff who had to ask permission to eat at their desk due to cleaning being one of the areas which has been cutback.

The EFL said: “Following a number of discussions dating back a number of weeks, the EFL plans to meet with both Charlton Athletic and the Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust to gain a full understanding of the current situation that surrounds the club.

“In the intervening period, as we do with all our clubs, we will continue to monitor developments, offer any practical assistance that is available to us as we seek to protect the integrity and reputation of our competitions. In the context of any debate relating to operational decisions taken by a club, it is important to make the point that these matters are determined by the individual boards and executive teams at each of our 72 member clubs. 

“We will offer support as required to assist clubs in complying with our regulations and contractual obligations.”

Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust describe the meeting as “a modicum of progress and finally a hint that the EFL are waking up to the importance of fans as stakeholders”.

IMAGES BY PAUL EDWARDS