@President Simple question: why say 'one of the group managed to have a conversation with her father...' and not, I managed to have a conversation with her father...' ?
What's this now? The Spanish Inquisition? Who gives a shit?
That's plenty from you, Sonny Jim.
What are you going to come out with next? "I put it to you Mr President that you are lying?
@President Simple question: why say 'one of the group managed to have a conversation with her father...' and not, I managed to have a conversation with her father...' ?
What's this now? The Spanish Inquisition? Who gives a shit?
That's plenty from you, Sonny Jim.
What are you going to come out with next? "I put it to you Mr President that you are lying?
Well Your Honour, when he starts it with "Last week 20 fans of Charlton Athletic peacefully leafleted the St Truiden home of the club's CEO Katrien Meire" when there were only 11 of them on the trip and only a few of them went to her parents house, you're on thin ice!
It's happened now, it's done. Post a statement on a forum and then it is open season for people to give their opinion. The incident gets magnified due to the amount of people that give their opinion. Something bringing in family will always split opinion and I'm sure those that did it know that's likely.
Imo it's beyond what I personally see as fair game protesting, others disagree though and I accept. Personally I Can't believe anyone would drive 22km out of town and leaflet an area just on a hunch it might be her folks. Pres said in the last thread it was described he was 'acting like a bailiff' I think.
The Belgium protests are so important and supplement everything else that goes on closer to home. I hope they continue but I equally hope that lessons are learnt in hindsight and things are done slightly differently on future voyages. Pressure needs to be maintained in many different ways.
@President Simple question: why say 'one of the group managed to have a conversation with her father...' and not, I managed to have a conversation with her father...' ?
What's this now? The Spanish Inquisition? Who gives a shit?
That's plenty from you, Sonny Jim.
What are you going to come out with next? "I put it to you Mr President that you are lying?
@President Simple question: why say 'one of the group managed to have a conversation with her father...' and not, I managed to have a conversation with her father...' ?
What's this now? The Spanish Inquisition? Who gives a shit?
That's plenty from you, Sonny Jim.
What are you going to come out with next? "I put it to you Mr President that you are lying?
Well Your Honour, when he starts it with "Last week 20 fans of Charlton Athletic peacefully leafleted the St Truiden home of the club's CEO Katrien Meire" when there were only 11 of them on the trip and only a few of them went to her parents house, you're on thin ice!
It's happened now, it's done. Post a statement on a forum and then it is open season for people to give their opinion. The incident gets magnified due to the amount of people that give their opinion. Something bringing in family will always split opinion and I'm sure those that did it know that's likely.
Imo it's beyond what I personally see as fair game protesting, others disagree though and I accept. Personally I Can't believe anyone would drive 22km out of town and leaflet an area just on a hunch it might be her folks. Pres said in the last thread it was described he was 'acting like a bailiff' I think.
The Belgium protests are so important and supplement everything else that goes on closer to home. I hope they continue but I equally hope that lessons are learnt in hindsight and things are done slightly differently on future voyages. Pressure needs to be maintained in many different ways.
AFKA, i agree. Your posts are always very incisive, but i find them to be very fair too. I wont elaborate, but it wasnt strictly a 'hunch' (there werent many Meires to target, identify) and it was on our way back to Calais, so , it was just a way of trying to distribute more leaflets to people who we thought may be 'embarassed' to receive information about the people we dont want at our club - in the same way that we target all 4 of Rolands apartment blocks we arent selective - now, we know where he lives in those apartment blocks but we dont go trying to openly harass him - as i said in another answer, it just so happened that the bloke answered the door in this one. There was never any intention of aggression or harassment - you know thats not our 'style'. It just came out the wrong way.
The Bailiff bit was my son turned around to me and said 'Dad, you'd make a good Bailiff' - but that was mainly down to being a big fat fuckr. (i gave him a good kicking when we got home !)
The Bailiff bit was my son turned around to me and said 'Dad, you'd make a good Bailiff' - but that was mainly down to being a big fat fuckr. (i gave him a good kicking when we got home !)
Lots of publicity gained for all of the wrong reasons and harassment of anyone not involved in the running of Duchatelet's businesses is unacceptable. Antics like this could irreparably damage the good will that we have received in the British and Belgian media.
What was actually imho a rather mild, peaceful and respectful leaflet drop with no malice was built up by the original post into something it clearly wasn't.
I have to question both the motives for overstating what happened and the impact being claimed.
This just undermines the very good work that was done during the two trips to Belgium.
It will also deter many fans from joining or supporting further trips.
As I said a huge own goal and a totally unnecessary one at that.
Lots of publicity gained for all of the wrong reasons and harassment of anyone not involved in the running of Duchatelet's businesses is unacceptable. Antics like this could irreparably damage the good will that we have received in the British and Belgian media.
Granted Denmark, but 1) There wasnt any 'harassment' and 2) It was a nothing 'event'.
The Belgian 20 have taken 'family' out of its manifesto.
Wow , just got home to this hailstorm. Must admit, I wasn’t expecting this reaction (obviously).
OK, must admit havnt read most of the posts on here- but notice there are 40 ‘likes’ – so for that I take it that 40 people agreed with the comments therein. Although I think, that generally there are probably more negative posts than positive .
There has been a massive over-reaction.
Let me explain what happened and the dialogue that happened at the house (I should know, coz as @jamescafc has mentioned (cheers mate ) ) I was there..…
Knocked on door, …
“Mr Meire ?” ……”yes” “ Do you know Katrien Meire?” ……. “……no” “ Ok, would you mind reading this literature re Katrien” ….”ok” Shake Hands…closes door, walks away.
Now, we had no idea at the time that it was her father, we simply knew that Meire lived at the address – it was only after perusing through some photos and searching the net that we established it was her father- and once we found out, we thought it best to get it out there.
Now,in hindsight, I probably agree with the sentiment of most of the posters that we over-stepped the mark, but there was never any intention of being aggressive or any intent to ambush or terrorise Mr Meire – to the contrary.
During the protests in Belgium we have always been fully respectful of the local people and police – even consulting with the Police on one occasion to determine what was acceptable. Now , it seems you all want to scapegoat me (and others) because of what was a simple engagement which was not sinister in any shape or form despite how it may seem portrayed on the OP.
Not all - I certainly don't. Thanks for your dedication to the cause.
What was actually imho a rather mild, peaceful and respectful leaflet drop with no malice was built up by the original post into something it clearly wasn't.
I have to question both the motives for overstating what happened and the impact being claimed.
This just undermines the very good work that was done during the two trips to Belgium.
It while also deter many fans from joining or supporting further trips.
As I said a huge own goal and a totally unnecessary one at that.
Henry, you're probably right - but the 'building up' has happened on both sides - both by our (my) OP but also by the hugely OTT reaction by some people on here. It was a nothing event built up into something bigger - now , where have i seen/heard that before ??!!
Wow , just got home to this hailstorm. Must admit, I wasn’t expecting this reaction (obviously).
OK, must admit havnt read most of the posts on here- but notice there are 40 ‘likes’ – so for that I take it that 40 people agreed with the comments therein. Although I think, that generally there are probably more negative posts than positive .
There has been a massive over-reaction.
Let me explain what happened and the dialogue that happened at the house (I should know, coz as @jamescafc has mentioned (cheers mate ) ) I was there..…
Knocked on door, …
“Mr Meire ?” ……”yes” “ Do you know Katrien Meire?” ……. “……no” “ Ok, would you mind reading this literature re Katrien” ….”ok” Shake Hands…closes door, walks away.
Now, we had no idea at the time that it was her father, we simply knew that Meire lived at the address – it was only after perusing through some photos and searching the net that we established it was her father- and once we found out, we thought it best to get it out there.
Now,in hindsight, I probably agree with the sentiment of most of the posters that we over-stepped the mark, but there was never any intention of being aggressive or any intent to ambush or terrorise Mr Meire – to the contrary.
During the protests in Belgium we have always been fully respectful of the local people and police – even consulting with the Police on one occasion to determine what was acceptable. Now , it seems you all want to scapegoat me (and others) because of what was a simple engagement which was not sinister in any shape or form despite how it may seem portrayed on the OP.
So just to clarify - you knew it was Katriens parents house & you knocked on the door ?
Objection your honour....hey I know a lawyer you could contact
Wow , just got home to this hailstorm. Must admit, I wasn’t expecting this reaction (obviously).
OK, must admit havnt read most of the posts on here- but notice there are 40 ‘likes’ – so for that I take it that 40 people agreed with the comments therein. Although I think, that generally there are probably more negative posts than positive .
There has been a massive over-reaction.
Let me explain what happened and the dialogue that happened at the house (I should know, coz as @jamescafc has mentioned (cheers mate ) ) I was there..…
Knocked on door, …
“Mr Meire ?” ……”yes” “ Do you know Katrien Meire?” ……. “……no” “ Ok, would you mind reading this literature re Katrien” ….”ok” Shake Hands…closes door, walks away.
Now, we had no idea at the time that it was her father, we simply knew that Meire lived at the address – it was only after perusing through some photos and searching the net that we established it was her father- and once we found out, we thought it best to get it out there.
Now,in hindsight, I probably agree with the sentiment of most of the posters that we over-stepped the mark, but there was never any intention of being aggressive or any intent to ambush or terrorise Mr Meire – to the contrary.
During the protests in Belgium we have always been fully respectful of the local people and police – even consulting with the Police on one occasion to determine what was acceptable. Now , it seems you all want to scapegoat me (and others) because of what was a simple engagement which was not sinister in any shape or form despite how it may seem portrayed on the OP.
Not all - I certainly don't. Thanks for your dedication to the cause.
@President Simple question: why say 'one of the group managed to have a conversation with her father...' and not, I managed to have a conversation with her father...' ?
What's this now? The Spanish Inquisition? Who gives a shit?
That's plenty from you, Sonny Jim.
What are you going to come out with next? "I put it to you Mr President that you are lying?
@President Simple question: why say 'one of the group managed to have a conversation with her father...' and not, I managed to have a conversation with her father...' ?
What's this now? The Spanish Inquisition? Who gives a shit?
That's plenty from you, Sonny Jim.
What are you going to come out with next? "I put it to you Mr President that you are lying?
Well Your Honour, when he starts it with "Last week 20 fans of Charlton Athletic peacefully leafleted the St Truiden home of the club's CEO Katrien Meire" when there were only 11 of them on the trip and only a few of them went to her parents house, you're on thin ice!
It's happened now, it's done. Post a statement on a forum and then it is open season for people to give their opinion. The incident gets magnified due to the amount of people that give their opinion. Something bringing in family will always split opinion and I'm sure those that did it know that's likely.
Imo it's beyond what I personally see as fair game protesting, others disagree though and I accept. Personally I Can't believe anyone would drive 22km out of town and leaflet an area just on a hunch it might be her folks. Pres said in the last thread it was described he was 'acting like a bailiff' I think.
The Belgium protests are so important and supplement everything else that goes on closer to home. I hope they continue but I equally hope that lessons are learnt in hindsight and things are done slightly differently on future voyages. Pressure needs to be maintained in many different ways.
Ahem, there were more than 11 involved in this trip - there were significant numbers who had contributed with effort to the planning of this - it was unfortunate that several had to drop out because of feeling that they had to be at the Valley protests - but please dont diss the numbers when you clearly dont have the right information.
Having read through this thread, having seen comments such as, amongst others, peaceful leafleting being compared to what Millwall fans might do in this situation, I can't help thinking that protesting against this regime is a pointless and futile exercise.
The current situation is a lot harder to change than the return to the Valley campaign which included forming the VP to contest a democratic election.
Forcing owners out is a different kettle of fish especially with a mild mannered, friendly fan base like ours. I cannot believe the reaction to what happened in Belgium last week. This has caused more of a backlash than a couple of fans invading the pitch against middlesbrough, an action that IS illegal !
I just think people need to chill a bit and stop getting on a holier than thou bandwagon.
Having read through this thread, having seen comments such as, amongst others, peaceful leafleting being compared to what Millwall fans might do in this situation, I can't help thinking that protesting against this regime is a pointless and futile exercise.
The current situation is a lot harder to change than the return to the Valley campaign which included forming the VP to contest a democratic election.
Forcing owners out is a different kettle of fish especially with a mild mannered, friendly fan base like ours. I cannot believe the reaction to what happened in Belgium last week. This has caused more of a backlash than a couple of fans invading the pitch against middlesbrough, an action that IS illegal !
I just think people need to chill a bit and stop getting on a holier than thou bandwagon.
Thanks Alan, my view is that its going to take a lot more than a few balls, balloons and waving a black-and-white scarf at him.
Having read through this thread, having seen comments such as, amongst others, peaceful leafleting being compared to what Millwall fans might do in this situation, I can't help thinking that protesting against this regime is a pointless and futile exercise.
The current situation is a lot harder to change than the return to the Valley campaign which included forming the VP to contest a democratic election.
Forcing owners out is a different kettle of fish especially with a mild mannered, friendly fan base like ours. I cannot believe the reaction to what happened in Belgium last week. This has caused more of a backlash than a couple of fans invading the pitch against middlesbrough, an action that IS illegal !
I just think people need to chill a bit and stop getting on a holier than thou bandwagon.
Thanks Alan, my view is that its going to take a lot more than a few balls, balloons and waving a black-and-white scarf at him.
I think that is everyone's view. We are all in agreement with that
Anyway, you're all so lucky coz C4FC4L1F3 has decided to have a little nap for this one - coz if he had contributed you would all have been apoplectic by now
Having read through this thread, having seen comments such as, amongst others, peaceful leafleting being compared to what Millwall fans might do in this situation, I can't help thinking that protesting against this regime is a pointless and futile exercise.
The current situation is a lot harder to change than the return to the Valley campaign which included forming the VP to contest a democratic election.
Forcing owners out is a different kettle of fish especially with a mild mannered, friendly fan base like ours. I cannot believe the reaction to what happened in Belgium last week. This has caused more of a backlash than a couple of fans invading the pitch against middlesbrough, an action that IS illegal !
I just think people need to chill a bit and stop getting on a holier than thou bandwagon.
To clarify, I made a comment "comparing" the actions to Millwall fans (pg. 1) but this comment was meant to be purely tongue-in-cheek: "My argument would be that we should always hold ourselves to the highest standards, otherwise what makes us different from those we oppose, or Millwall (other than literacy in the case of Millwall)?"
I tried to clarify on pg 7 after you'd raised issue with it, but I didn't tag you @alan dugdale directly and I understand there are a lot of comments on a short time in this thread:
"I also don't want to start vilifying those who did this. I understand that you did something on your own initiative and money which you felt was fair, and a couple weeks later it turns out that a seeming majority of us don't agree. This doesn't make you bad people or "enemies of the revolution." I personally made a flippant remark about "wanting to be better than Millwall fans" which was meant purely tongue-in-cheek, but I apologize if anyone took that seriously."
I don't recall anyone else making such comparisons. Again, I apologize for starting this, and hopefully we can at least put the issue of comparing these actions to Millwall fans to bed.
Cheers SD - wow, now you're really annoying me , comparing me to Millwall fans - where do your parents live ? (Phew, check, make sure Smiley works !!)
I mentioned earlier in the thread that my dad is bored and will talk at you for a long, long time. Happy to give the address out, just not sure if you deserve that level of punishment for your crimes .
Comments
It's happened now, it's done. Post a statement on a forum and then it is open season for people to give their opinion. The incident gets magnified due to the amount of people that give their opinion. Something bringing in family will always split opinion and I'm sure those that did it know that's likely.
Imo it's beyond what I personally see as fair game protesting, others disagree though and I accept. Personally I Can't believe anyone would drive 22km out of town and leaflet an area just on a hunch it might be her folks. Pres said in the last thread it was described he was 'acting like a bailiff' I think.
The Belgium protests are so important and supplement everything else that goes on closer to home. I hope they continue but I equally hope that lessons are learnt in hindsight and things are done slightly differently on future voyages. Pressure needs to be maintained in many different ways.
I wont elaborate, but it wasnt strictly a 'hunch' (there werent many Meires to
target, identify) and it was on our way back to Calais, so , it was just a way of trying to distribute more leaflets to people who we thought may be 'embarassed' to receive information about the people we dont want at our club - in the same way that we target all 4 of Rolands apartment blocks we arent selective - now, we know where he lives in those apartment blocks but we dont go trying to openly harass him - as i said in another answer, it just so happened that the bloke answered the door in this one. There was never any intention of aggression or harassment - you know thats not our 'style'.It just came out the wrong way.
Am i excused ?!
The jury is still out.......
Lots of publicity gained for all of the wrong reasons and harassment of anyone not involved in the running of Duchatelet's businesses is unacceptable. Antics like this could irreparably damage the good will that we have received in the British and Belgian media.
What was actually imho a rather mild, peaceful and respectful leaflet drop with no malice was built up by the original post into something it clearly wasn't.
I have to question both the motives for overstating what happened and the impact being claimed.
This just undermines the very good work that was done during the two trips to Belgium.
It will also deter many fans from joining or supporting further trips.
As I said a huge own goal and a totally unnecessary one at that.
The Belgian 20 have taken 'family' out of its manifesto.
The current situation is a lot harder to change than the return to the Valley campaign which included forming the VP to contest a democratic election.
Forcing owners out is a different kettle of fish especially with a mild mannered, friendly fan base like ours. I cannot believe the reaction to what happened in Belgium last week. This has caused more of a backlash than a couple of fans invading the pitch against middlesbrough, an action that IS illegal !
I just think people need to chill a bit and stop getting on a holier than thou bandwagon.
I think we all agree that protests in Belgium are a good thing after all M. duchatelet spends match days there and his main business is there.
Now that embarrassment of family is off the table, perhaps we can draw a line under this thread and move on?
"My argument would be that we should always hold ourselves to the highest standards, otherwise what makes us different from those we oppose, or Millwall (other than literacy in the case of Millwall)?"
I tried to clarify on pg 7 after you'd raised issue with it, but I didn't tag you @alan dugdale directly and I understand there are a lot of comments on a short time in this thread:
"I also don't want to start vilifying those who did this. I understand that you did something on your own initiative and money which you felt was fair, and a couple weeks later it turns out that a seeming majority of us don't agree. This doesn't make you bad people or "enemies of the revolution." I personally made a flippant remark about "wanting to be better than Millwall fans" which was meant purely tongue-in-cheek, but I apologize if anyone took that seriously."
I don't recall anyone else making such comparisons. Again, I apologize for starting this, and hopefully we can at least put the issue of comparing these actions to Millwall fans to bed.
(Phew, check, make sure Smiley works !!)
As stated before in so many ways "you have lost the moral high ground"
No way can you defend/justify this action targeting her parents