Todays game was probably the most depressed i have been as a Charlton fan - and it wasnt because of the defeat ( i've sort of got numb to losing, and cant even remember when i last saw us win tbh).
It was because of the atmosphere at the ground - there was zero support,zero atmosphere, and no protests - but what seemed like hundreds of stewards- all leaving a very very toxic feel. An 'atmosphere' that i've never experienced before at The Valley.
This isnt the Charlton i have grown up supporting - the club that was known as a nice family club, friendly fans, friendly staff, and a team that i was proud to say i supported-and a club that other clubs and fans used to use as their role-model.
I think, a few weeks back BDL said that he thought the boycott might be counter-productive in that protests in the ground would stop - i am coming to the opinion that maybe this might be the case.
So, i am not suggesting that everyone go out and buy a season ticket immediately, but maybe the boycotters selectively come back for a pre-determined game now and again - as an idea, maybe the £5 games? - at least that way we are not lining RD's pocket with much - and then co-ordinate some protests for inside the ground during the game.
At the moment, i get the feeling that KM may believe that she has 'won', in view that there are no longer any protests.
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I was very pro boycot but after seeing the valley for the first time this season today it feels like they have won.
People won't go all the way to the valley for a photo outside then nothing. And that's what happened today.
A real shame
Just my feeling. Respect to anyone who still goes though.
Is she in Dubai again or serving her notice?
You're right.
And the reason for that lies firmly at the Belgians door.
The protesters are blameless in this at every level.
This tin pot regime need to pack up and sell up. They are a sham.
Just to be clear. I will not be back until they've gone.
It's a tough call this as every single one of us wants the team to succeed, however we must all remember it's the regime that has brought us to this. An absent owner and an incompetent (mis)management team have made this situation what it is. They are to blame, not the fans.
CARD have never asked for a boycott if I recall correctly, instead asked fans not to buy season tickets. In my eyes that was a success and the right thing to do. CARD have a dilemma here, they have to adhere to the law, yet they get accused of not doing enough by some and too much by others. For me the fact that the protests are still going and CARD keep coming up with original ideas keeps our plight in focus. It's equally difficult as our media profile has slipped thanks to relegation.
Fans have to make their own minds up, but League One football and a lack of wins won't exactly encourage everyone to return. For those who want to attend they should, for those who don't and continue to boycott then that is their choice and no one should tell them to stop.
We will all know when it is time to stop boycotting, because that Delusional Belgian idiot would have gone and taken his lackeys with him.
Now they are banning banners, so it really is turning into North Korea isn't it?
I respect people's views for doing it but it is quite obviously having a counter affect on the atmosphere on the ground not helping the team .
Is it becoming a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face ? I and many others are beginning to think so.
Nearly came down this weekend -narrow escape.
Confusing times, for me at least. On the one hand I wanted lots of people there, to make a loud and obvious anti-regime protest, on the other I was pleased they there was a low turnout as it seems that the boycotters are winning the day. Then again, as a Charlton fan it breaks my heart to see what these idiots have done to our club and how they've driven lifelong fans away. I guess what I took away from this overall is the exact opposite of you. The Brighton and Burnley protests were absolutely magnificent. We will never see the likes of them again, though. Too many people are either actively boycotting to beat the regime or are so passively pissed off that they won't return. Either way, today was an acid test and the outcome was that people won't turn up in big numbers as long as the regime are in control. If they aren't going to turn up, there's little point in trying to co-ordinate mass protests. Far better to build on what we've got going for us. Whatever the emotions of it, the sad truth is that very few people want to watch shit football in a toxic atmosphere. So I'd rather turn that weakness into a strength and rack-up the boycott.
I don't think it's reasonable to expect everyone to do the same though. I had a chat with Len Glover before the match. He was telling me how many generations of his family had followed Charlton. It's not realistic to expect everyone like Len to stop going. Even though I believe that it's our best hope.
The saddest thing for me though was at the end of the game, lots of people booed. Nothing new in that. I've heard it dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of times before. What I found sad was that I didn't care. In the past I used to get angry at the boo boys, now though I just think 'so what'. Because that team out on the pitch doesn't represent me, it represents them. Why should I care if people choose to boo them?
#notapennymore
Of course you know that if I don't go to Millwall we will win, but so be it.