I was going to go to the local shops earlier today, but when I tried there was a policeman blocking my front door telling me I couldn't go that way. Apparently there were some nasty people in the area who might mug me, so I had to stay indoors while they escorted the nasty men on a lads pub crawl.
The Old Bill have since sent me a statement saying the morning passed without incident. So that's all good then.
But I've no idea what I'm gonna have for my dinner. :-(
So the club & police are happy because it passed with no major incidents! This will happen season after season now. No other club does this, basically the club are happy to inconvenience their own supporters!
Do what ever it takes, pay for 500 police if they need to! Absolutely taking the piss! Will not be part of this ever again!
Honestly, was it that bad? I get it, people was put out of there normal match day routine? It wasn't as if there was a huge riot, fans fighting all over the stadium.. There was a few scuffles, that you would expect in a local derby..
Really question sometimes, do people have nothing better to do, that moan and complain?
Here comes the backlash for this comment.
Those of us exiting by Lansdowne Mews whilst Millwall fans broke through Exit 21, without a police officer in sight, are justified in 'moaning and complaining'. I'm also concerned re the safety of those who were exiting the West Stand and caught in gridlock on the stairs.
Honestly, was it that bad? I get it, people was put out of there normal match day routine? It wasn't as if there was a huge riot, fans fighting all over the stadium.. There was a few scuffles, that you would expect in a local derby..
Really question sometimes, do people have nothing better to do, that moan and complain?
Here comes the backlash for this comment.
Perhaps if you were there experiencing the nonsense you may have a different view. Having said that I was 5000 miles away when 20k Charlton fans were VERY BADLY TREATED, but I understand all that went on was unsatisfactory.
Two weeks on from the Millwall game and instead of addressing fans’ concerns, the club has taken us on the football equivalent of a modern call centre, press 1 for a statement, press 2 for a distraction video, press 3 to hang up in frustration.
All they really needed to do on the Monday after the match was get on the front foot: "We’ve received complaints about how fans exited the stadium, particularly around Gate 21 where Millwall supporters forced their way through, leading to Charlton fans being attacked while leaving the East Stand. These are serious health and safety issues, so we’ll be speaking with police, stewards and the safety officer, keeping fans updated, and sending out a survey to improve the matchday experience."
Was that really too much to ask? Instead, two weeks, 88k views, and 1,400 comments later, the club has managed to turn a serious issue into a PR own goal angering Lifers and showing contempt to fans who raised genuine concerns and simply don’t want the same thing happening at the next Millwall game. Its such a cynical way for club: business to deal with fans: customers, sadly its way public are treated nowdays no one will admit they got it wrong and way to deal with it is to make it as difficult as possible for joe public to get answers and reassurances that it won't happen again. I'm still waiting for a response to my email to the club sent 10 days ago, wondering what was point of that survey, bemused about fan forum and who will be representing the fans. Well done to club, SMT & Comms you have kicked the can all the way up Floyd rd & beyond......
So the trust are telling the club that it's okay to treat us this way as long as they communicate the inconvenience better. How about telling the club that it should strongly resist any future police attempts to implement these sort of measures and why they should do so.
100% - that's exactly what cast are saying - where, in any of their recommendations does it say hold millwall back if anybody, not us? It doesn't and therefore is a complete failure.
I understand CAST, as the official supporters’ group, need to tread carefully with the club, but their statement was far too mild and doesn’t reflect the stronger opinions here on Charlton Life. Saying the day “passed without significant incident” ignores the fact that it’s unacceptable not to hold Millwall fans back or properly police the Away End, what did 297 police do? CAST should have called this out, pressing for solutions like cutting Millwall's away allocation, charging the maximum Away ticket price under EFL rules, and making clear that anti-social behaviour brings consequences. If Millwall fans cause trouble, the club and police have CCTV and resources to arrest offenders, impose life bans, and even bar Millwall fans from The Valley for a set period and any damage to The Valley send the bill to Millwall. The October fan forum appears to be a closed shop so those attending need to challenge the club and safety rep's etc. I'm confused who exactly is going on behalf of CAST and fans advisers? Why are club not holding an open meeting, where fans can constructively voice concerns and have an input?
So, i've emailed the club, got a nonsense response, i've emailed the police who said they will pass on my concerns, have seen cast completely miss the main point and achieve nothing so what can i do next in addition to going back to the club and police? is the fans forum a closed shop or can they be contacted in order to get the real point across? who should we contact at greenwich council and should they be contacted or the local MP or both? It's a shame our fan representatives aren't capable of addressing the main issue for us and we have to do it ourselves but so be it - i want the decision to hold us back rather than millwall reversed (if anybody has to be held back) and that is the main point i and i suspect, 99% of charlton fans care about and is not specifically addressed in the cast recommendations - 'its implied' will be the response - why? just state it - we are not happy about it and don't want it happening again.
Does the club know the sound system is barely audible in Covered Notth ?
Of course they do and been the case for year due to underfunding on the stadium 2010-2024. They just choose to do nothing about it yet (and it would be costly).
I understand CAST, as the official supporters’ group, need to tread carefully with the club, but their statement was far too mild and doesn’t reflect the stronger opinions here on Charlton Life. Saying the day “passed without significant incident” ignores the fact that it’s unacceptable not to hold Millwall fans back or properly police the Away End, what did 297 police do? CAST should have called this out, pressing for solutions like cutting Millwall's away allocation, charging the maximum Away ticket price under EFL rules, and making clear that anti-social behaviour brings consequences. If Millwall fans cause trouble, the club and police have CCTV and resources to arrest offenders, impose life bans, and even bar Millwall fans from The Valley for a set period and any damage to The Valley send the bill to Millwall. The October fan forum appears to be a closed shop so those attending need to challenge the club and safety rep's etc. I'm confused who exactly is going on behalf of CAST and fans advisers? Why are club not holding an open meeting, where fans can constructively voice concerns and have an input?
So, i've emailed the club, got a nonsense response, i've emailed the police who said they will pass on my concerns, have seen cast completely miss the main point and achieve nothing so what can i do next in addition to going back to the club and police? is the fans forum a closed shop or can they be contacted in order to get the real point across? who should we contact at greenwich council and should they be contacted or the local MP or both? It's a shame our fan representatives aren't capable of addressing the main issue for us and we have to do it ourselves but so be it - i want the decision to hold us back rather than millwall reversed (if anybody has to be held back) and that is the main point i and i suspect, 99% of charlton fans care about and is not specifically addressed in the cast recommendations - 'its implied' will be the response - why? just state it - we are not happy about it and don't want it happening again.
Strictly speaking nobody was held back. Some were diverted.
If you want clear answers to clear questions you might need to adjust your own language.
But I don’t see how anyone can give you the answer you want. There will surely always be a caveat based on intelligence / circumstances at the time.
An admission on poor communication/ execution is the most that can be gleaned realistically.
I understand CAST, as the official supporters’ group, need to tread carefully with the club, but their statement was far too mild and doesn’t reflect the stronger opinions here on Charlton Life. Saying the day “passed without significant incident” ignores the fact that it’s unacceptable not to hold Millwall fans back or properly police the Away End, what did 297 police do? CAST should have called this out, pressing for solutions like cutting Millwall's away allocation, charging the maximum Away ticket price under EFL rules, and making clear that anti-social behaviour brings consequences. If Millwall fans cause trouble, the club and police have CCTV and resources to arrest offenders, impose life bans, and even bar Millwall fans from The Valley for a set period and any damage to The Valley send the bill to Millwall. The October fan forum appears to be a closed shop so those attending need to challenge the club and safety rep's etc. I'm confused who exactly is going on behalf of CAST and fans advisers? Why are club not holding an open meeting, where fans can constructively voice concerns and have an input?
So, i've emailed the club, got a nonsense response, i've emailed the police who said they will pass on my concerns, have seen cast completely miss the main point and achieve nothing so what can i do next in addition to going back to the club and police? is the fans forum a closed shop or can they be contacted in order to get the real point across? who should we contact at greenwich council and should they be contacted or the local MP or both? It's a shame our fan representatives aren't capable of addressing the main issue for us and we have to do it ourselves but so be it - i want the decision to hold us back rather than millwall reversed (if anybody has to be held back) and that is the main point i and i suspect, 99% of charlton fans care about and is not specifically addressed in the cast recommendations - 'its implied' will be the response - why? just state it - we are not happy about it and don't want it happening again.
Strictly speaking nobody was held back. Some were diverted.
If you want clear answers to clear questions you might need to adjust your own language.
But I don’t see how anyone can give you the answer you want. There will surely always be a caveat based on intelligence / circumstances at the time.
An admission on poor communication/ execution is the most that can be gleaned realistically.
strictly speaking , you're wrong - we were held back from going up floyd road and charlton church lane once we'd been diverted
I understand CAST, as the official supporters’ group, need to tread carefully with the club, but their statement was far too mild and doesn’t reflect the stronger opinions here on Charlton Life. Saying the day “passed without significant incident” ignores the fact that it’s unacceptable not to hold Millwall fans back or properly police the Away End, what did 297 police do? CAST should have called this out, pressing for solutions like cutting Millwall's away allocation, charging the maximum Away ticket price under EFL rules, and making clear that anti-social behaviour brings consequences. If Millwall fans cause trouble, the club and police have CCTV and resources to arrest offenders, impose life bans, and even bar Millwall fans from The Valley for a set period and any damage to The Valley send the bill to Millwall. The October fan forum appears to be a closed shop so those attending need to challenge the club and safety rep's etc. I'm confused who exactly is going on behalf of CAST and fans advisers? Why are club not holding an open meeting, where fans can constructively voice concerns and have an input?
So, i've emailed the club, got a nonsense response, i've emailed the police who said they will pass on my concerns, have seen cast completely miss the main point and achieve nothing so what can i do next in addition to going back to the club and police? is the fans forum a closed shop or can they be contacted in order to get the real point across? who should we contact at greenwich council and should they be contacted or the local MP or both? It's a shame our fan representatives aren't capable of addressing the main issue for us and we have to do it ourselves but so be it - i want the decision to hold us back rather than millwall reversed (if anybody has to be held back) and that is the main point i and i suspect, 99% of charlton fans care about and is not specifically addressed in the cast recommendations - 'its implied' will be the response - why? just state it - we are not happy about it and don't want it happening again.
Strictly speaking nobody was held back. Some were diverted.
If you want clear answers to clear questions you might need to adjust your own language.
But I don’t see how anyone can give you the answer you want. There will surely always be a caveat based on intelligence / circumstances at the time.
An admission on poor communication/ execution is the most that can be gleaned realistically.
and what unique intelligence / circumstances has led to 2 unique decisions 5 years apart?
I understand CAST, as the official supporters’ group, need to tread carefully with the club, but their statement was far too mild and doesn’t reflect the stronger opinions here on Charlton Life. Saying the day “passed without significant incident” ignores the fact that it’s unacceptable not to hold Millwall fans back or properly police the Away End, what did 297 police do? CAST should have called this out, pressing for solutions like cutting Millwall's away allocation, charging the maximum Away ticket price under EFL rules, and making clear that anti-social behaviour brings consequences. If Millwall fans cause trouble, the club and police have CCTV and resources to arrest offenders, impose life bans, and even bar Millwall fans from The Valley for a set period and any damage to The Valley send the bill to Millwall. The October fan forum appears to be a closed shop so those attending need to challenge the club and safety rep's etc. I'm confused who exactly is going on behalf of CAST and fans advisers? Why are club not holding an open meeting, where fans can constructively voice concerns and have an input?
So, i've emailed the club, got a nonsense response, i've emailed the police who said they will pass on my concerns, have seen cast completely miss the main point and achieve nothing so what can i do next in addition to going back to the club and police? is the fans forum a closed shop or can they be contacted in order to get the real point across? who should we contact at greenwich council and should they be contacted or the local MP or both? It's a shame our fan representatives aren't capable of addressing the main issue for us and we have to do it ourselves but so be it - i want the decision to hold us back rather than millwall reversed (if anybody has to be held back) and that is the main point i and i suspect, 99% of charlton fans care about and is not specifically addressed in the cast recommendations - 'its implied' will be the response - why? just state it - we are not happy about it and don't want it happening again.
Strictly speaking nobody was held back. Some were diverted.
If you want clear answers to clear questions you might need to adjust your own language.
But I don’t see how anyone can give you the answer you want. There will surely always be a caveat based on intelligence / circumstances at the time.
An admission on poor communication/ execution is the most that can be gleaned realistically.
and what unique intelligence / circumstances has led to 2 unique decisions 5 years apart?
You can ignore the point but it stands. It will always carry a caveat in reality.
Honestly, was it that bad? I get it, people was put out of there normal match day routine? It wasn't as if there was a huge riot, fans fighting all over the stadium.. There was a few scuffles, that you would expect in a local derby..
Really question sometimes, do people have nothing better to do, that moan and complain?
Here comes the backlash for this comment.
Perhaps if you were there experiencing the nonsense you may have a different view. Having said that I was 5000 miles away when 20k Charlton fans were VERY BADLY TREATED, but I understand all that went on was unsatisfactory.
Incorrect as a few thousand go up to Charlton park way and were not diverted… Best to comment if you were at the game ..
Honestly, was it that bad? I get it, people was put out of there normal match day routine? It wasn't as if there was a huge riot, fans fighting all over the stadium.. There was a few scuffles, that you would expect in a local derby..
Really question sometimes, do people have nothing better to do, that moan and complain?
Here comes the backlash for this comment.
Perhaps if you were there experiencing the nonsense you may have a different view. Having said that I was 5000 miles away when 20k Charlton fans were VERY BADLY TREATED, but I understand all that went on was unsatisfactory.
Incorrect as a few thousand go up to Charlton park way and were not diverted… Best to comment if you were at the game ..
But still inconvenienced by having to struggle their way out of the ground and along Harvey Gardens to Charlton Lane with 20,000 other Charlton supporters.
I understand CAST, as the official supporters’ group, need to tread carefully with the club, but their statement was far too mild and doesn’t reflect the stronger opinions here on Charlton Life. Saying the day “passed without significant incident” ignores the fact that it’s unacceptable not to hold Millwall fans back or properly police the Away End, what did 297 police do? CAST should have called this out, pressing for solutions like cutting Millwall's away allocation, charging the maximum Away ticket price under EFL rules, and making clear that anti-social behaviour brings consequences. If Millwall fans cause trouble, the club and police have CCTV and resources to arrest offenders, impose life bans, and even bar Millwall fans from The Valley for a set period and any damage to The Valley send the bill to Millwall. The October fan forum appears to be a closed shop so those attending need to challenge the club and safety rep's etc. I'm confused who exactly is going on behalf of CAST and fans advisers? Why are club not holding an open meeting, where fans can constructively voice concerns and have an input?
So, i've emailed the club, got a nonsense response, i've emailed the police who said they will pass on my concerns, have seen cast completely miss the main point and achieve nothing so what can i do next in addition to going back to the club and police? is the fans forum a closed shop or can they be contacted in order to get the real point across? who should we contact at greenwich council and should they be contacted or the local MP or both? It's a shame our fan representatives aren't capable of addressing the main issue for us and we have to do it ourselves but so be it - i want the decision to hold us back rather than millwall reversed (if anybody has to be held back) and that is the main point i and i suspect, 99% of charlton fans care about and is not specifically addressed in the cast recommendations - 'its implied' will be the response - why? just state it - we are not happy about it and don't want it happening again.
Strictly speaking nobody was held back. Some were diverted.
If you want clear answers to clear questions you might need to adjust your own language.
But I don’t see how anyone can give you the answer you want. There will surely always be a caveat based on intelligence / circumstances at the time.
An admission on poor communication/ execution is the most that can be gleaned realistically.
and what unique intelligence / circumstances has led to 2 unique decisions 5 years apart?
You can ignore the point but it stands. It will always carry a caveat in reality.
I’m not ignoring anything - the police are getting away with doing something that happens nowhere else - that’s the point so u can pick out as much nonsense as u want, I’m happy that this decision should be challenged and overturned
I’ve spoken to plenty of Charlton, millwall and fans of other clubs who all agree it’s outrageous and completely wrong that we are held back and not Millwall - that is it in a nutshell
I understand CAST, as the official supporters’ group, need to tread carefully with the club, but their statement was far too mild and doesn’t reflect the stronger opinions here on Charlton Life. Saying the day “passed without significant incident” ignores the fact that it’s unacceptable not to hold Millwall fans back or properly police the Away End, what did 297 police do? CAST should have called this out, pressing for solutions like cutting Millwall's away allocation, charging the maximum Away ticket price under EFL rules, and making clear that anti-social behaviour brings consequences. If Millwall fans cause trouble, the club and police have CCTV and resources to arrest offenders, impose life bans, and even bar Millwall fans from The Valley for a set period and any damage to The Valley send the bill to Millwall. The October fan forum appears to be a closed shop so those attending need to challenge the club and safety rep's etc. I'm confused who exactly is going on behalf of CAST and fans advisers? Why are club not holding an open meeting, where fans can constructively voice concerns and have an input?
So, i've emailed the club, got a nonsense response, i've emailed the police who said they will pass on my concerns, have seen cast completely miss the main point and achieve nothing so what can i do next in addition to going back to the club and police? is the fans forum a closed shop or can they be contacted in order to get the real point across? who should we contact at greenwich council and should they be contacted or the local MP or both? It's a shame our fan representatives aren't capable of addressing the main issue for us and we have to do it ourselves but so be it - i want the decision to hold us back rather than millwall reversed (if anybody has to be held back) and that is the main point i and i suspect, 99% of charlton fans care about and is not specifically addressed in the cast recommendations - 'its implied' will be the response - why? just state it - we are not happy about it and don't want it happening again.
Strictly speaking nobody was held back. Some were diverted.
If you want clear answers to clear questions you might need to adjust your own language.
But I don’t see how anyone can give you the answer you want. There will surely always be a caveat based on intelligence / circumstances at the time.
An admission on poor communication/ execution is the most that can be gleaned realistically.
and what unique intelligence / circumstances has led to 2 unique decisions 5 years apart?
You can ignore the point but it stands. It will always carry a caveat in reality.
I’m not ignoring anything - the police are getting away with doing something that happens nowhere else - that’s the point so u can pick out as much nonsense as u want, I’m happy that this decision should be challenged and overturned
You clearly are ignoring the point I’m making.
They can never give you the guarantee you seek because things can change.
You might get a statement that says next time we envisage doing it this way but it will still be subject to change. That is the reality.
My observation would be that poor execution of the plan is also distinct from the rationale of the plan they had.
Neither were great.
Highlighting congestion and lack of appropriate messaging they could counter by saying they will address in order to use the strategy again - if they chose to.
You have to be realistic about the outcome you expect they can truly give.
You will have to settle for a ‘next time we will take all this feedback on board’ I suggest.
All Charlton fans want is for Millwall to be held back next time and for police and stewards to do their job, simple, isn’t it? No one will admit it was a cock-up, explain what 297 police were doing, why Gate 21 happened, or why the club couldn’t inform 20,000 supporters. What CAST isn’t saying strongily in a worded statement that next season Millwall must be kept back...simple isn't it? whats the problem with saying fans are angry this happened and its dangerous .....so were left feeling like our club is adopting the usual “kick the can down the road” approach...forums, surveys, ignored emails, never admitting mistakes. It’s disappointing & disrespectful to fans who simply want a safe, enjoyable experience supporting our team.
I understand CAST, as the official supporters’ group, need to tread carefully with the club, but their statement was far too mild and doesn’t reflect the stronger opinions here on Charlton Life. Saying the day “passed without significant incident” ignores the fact that it’s unacceptable not to hold Millwall fans back or properly police the Away End, what did 297 police do? CAST should have called this out, pressing for solutions like cutting Millwall's away allocation, charging the maximum Away ticket price under EFL rules, and making clear that anti-social behaviour brings consequences. If Millwall fans cause trouble, the club and police have CCTV and resources to arrest offenders, impose life bans, and even bar Millwall fans from The Valley for a set period and any damage to The Valley send the bill to Millwall. The October fan forum appears to be a closed shop so those attending need to challenge the club and safety rep's etc. I'm confused who exactly is going on behalf of CAST and fans advisers? Why are club not holding an open meeting, where fans can constructively voice concerns and have an input?
So, i've emailed the club, got a nonsense response, i've emailed the police who said they will pass on my concerns, have seen cast completely miss the main point and achieve nothing so what can i do next in addition to going back to the club and police? is the fans forum a closed shop or can they be contacted in order to get the real point across? who should we contact at greenwich council and should they be contacted or the local MP or both? It's a shame our fan representatives aren't capable of addressing the main issue for us and we have to do it ourselves but so be it - i want the decision to hold us back rather than millwall reversed (if anybody has to be held back) and that is the main point i and i suspect, 99% of charlton fans care about and is not specifically addressed in the cast recommendations - 'its implied' will be the response - why? just state it - we are not happy about it and don't want it happening again.
Strictly speaking nobody was held back. Some were diverted.
If you want clear answers to clear questions you might need to adjust your own language.
But I don’t see how anyone can give you the answer you want. There will surely always be a caveat based on intelligence / circumstances at the time.
An admission on poor communication/ execution is the most that can be gleaned realistically.
and what unique intelligence / circumstances has led to 2 unique decisions 5 years apart?
You can ignore the point but it stands. It will always carry a caveat in reality.
I’m not ignoring anything - the police are getting away with doing something that happens nowhere else - that’s the point so u can pick out as much nonsense as u want, I’m happy that this decision should be challenged and overturned
You clearly are ignoring the point I’m making.
They can never give you the guarantee you seek because things can change.
You might get a statement that says next time we envisage doing it this way but it will still be subject to change. That is the reality.
My observation would be that poor execution of the plan is also distinct from the rationale of the plan they had.
Neither were great.
Highlighting congestion and lack of appropriate messaging they could counter by saying they will address in order to use the strategy again - if they chose to.
You have to be realistic about the outcome you expect they can truly give.
You will have to settle for a ‘next time we will take all this feedback on board’ I suggest.
And for u to write that u r clearly ignoring the point I am making so I suggest we leave it at that
My sons walked down the hill from the bugle and witnessed some Millwall fans getting a good going over near the Floyd road turn - the intelligence that spontaneous skirmishing or whatever terminology they used as the reason for holding us back didn’t stop that before the game did it ? What on earth were the 250 police doing when that was happening at probably THE major flashpoint area before the game - it’s a complete cop out by the police and they know it and if the clubs decision not to pay for police in the ground has got anything to do with it then not only are they to blame for not resisting the decision, they also contributed to it
Comments
The Old Bill have since sent me a statement saying the morning passed without incident. So that's all good then.
But I've no idea what I'm gonna have for my dinner. :-(
Having said that I was 5000 miles away when 20k Charlton fans were VERY BADLY TREATED, but I understand all that went on was unsatisfactory.
Two weeks on from the Millwall game and instead of addressing fans’ concerns, the club has taken us on the football equivalent of a modern call centre, press 1 for a statement, press 2 for a distraction video, press 3 to hang up in frustration.
All they really needed to do on the Monday after the match was get on the front foot:
"We’ve received complaints about how fans exited the stadium, particularly around Gate 21 where Millwall supporters forced their way through, leading to Charlton fans being attacked while leaving the East Stand. These are serious health and safety issues, so we’ll be speaking with police, stewards and the safety officer, keeping fans updated, and sending out a survey to improve the matchday experience."
Was that really too much to ask? Instead, two weeks, 88k views, and 1,400 comments later, the club has managed to turn a serious issue into a PR own goal angering Lifers and showing contempt to fans who raised genuine concerns and simply don’t want the same thing happening at the next Millwall game. Its such a cynical way for club: business to deal with fans: customers, sadly its way public are treated nowdays no one will admit they got it wrong and way to deal with it is to make it as difficult as possible for joe public to get answers and reassurances that it won't happen again. I'm still waiting for a response to my email to the club sent 10 days ago, wondering what was point of that survey, bemused about fan forum and who will be representing the fans. Well done to club, SMT & Comms you have kicked the can all the way up Floyd rd & beyond......
Best to comment if you were at the game ..
the rationale of the plan they had.