From a Bristol City message board.
There was a reply.
It seems "the Ultras" featured in a 2008 Bristol City programme. Didn't everyone look fantastic in their free corporate scarves yesterday!
Dave, I need you to explain why I was asked to remove my flag from the Dolman stand for the West Ham game. there were two other flags hanging from the railings on the stand so I attached mine. it was not offending any spectators vision. it was there for 40 mins prior to kick off and then two stewards arrived and started to take it down . fortunately my season ticket is directly behind it row A block D seat 23.
when I asked what the problem was I was told it had to be removed because I had not asked permission to hang it. PLEASE the flag spent 4 years hanging in the East End in fact I actually met you and you very kindly arranged a meeting between myself and the stadium manager to measure the flag and have hooks drilled into the old East End wall so I could hang it every game. I asked if the other BCFC flags were also going to be removed and I was told they had permission to hang them. apparently the "directors" were unhappy with mine. (I find this very hard to believe) .My flag has been around the country following BCFC and has NEVER been refused erection even at Wembley.
I have had a full page article published in the match day programme depicting it with Willem 11 fans under the heading' crossing the divide'. So it was to my bitter disappointment that I was told to remove it. I must admit that I did take it down for 20 mins but just prior to kick off I put it back up as my defiance got the better of me, there it stayed in pride of place for the first half, I though that people had seen sence however during the half time the stewards were back and down it came again. I was told I was on camera and the conversation was being filmed. If I agreed to taking it down I could keep the flag if not then it would be confiscated.
I could complain to the club if necessary. I do not wish to do this as I find the whole thing beyond comprehension , As I have said I have hung the flag proudly in many grounds across the country but apparently it is not welcome in my own stadium .
Please can you review this and get the necessary authority to allow me to hang my flag on the rails on the Dolman Stand during this period of redevelopment.
I would also like a full explanation as to why it had to be removed because the one I was given was B.S ! and I don't mean BRISTOL SPORT.
Otherwise I t was a fantastic day , things like this are petty and just unnecessary
thanks Dave
when I asked what the problem was I was told it had to be removed because I had not asked permission to hang it. PLEASE the flag spent 4 years hanging in the East End in fact I actually met you and you very kindly arranged a meeting between myself and the stadium manager to measure the flag and have hooks drilled into the old East End wall so I could hang it every game. I asked if the other BCFC flags were also going to be removed and I was told they had permission to hang them. apparently the "directors" were unhappy with mine. (I find this very hard to believe) .My flag has been around the country following BCFC and has NEVER been refused erection even at Wembley.
I have had a full page article published in the match day programme depicting it with Willem 11 fans under the heading' crossing the divide'. So it was to my bitter disappointment that I was told to remove it. I must admit that I did take it down for 20 mins but just prior to kick off I put it back up as my defiance got the better of me, there it stayed in pride of place for the first half, I though that people had seen sence however during the half time the stewards were back and down it came again. I was told I was on camera and the conversation was being filmed. If I agreed to taking it down I could keep the flag if not then it would be confiscated.
I could complain to the club if necessary. I do not wish to do this as I find the whole thing beyond comprehension , As I have said I have hung the flag proudly in many grounds across the country but apparently it is not welcome in my own stadium .
Please can you review this and get the necessary authority to allow me to hang my flag on the rails on the Dolman Stand during this period of redevelopment.
I would also like a full explanation as to why it had to be removed because the one I was given was B.S ! and I don't mean BRISTOL SPORT.
Otherwise I t was a fantastic day , things like this are petty and just unnecessary
thanks Dave
I'm happy to clear this one up.
Your flag contained the word 'Ultras" and was prominently displayed, on national television, in front of 8 million people. There is a proven and established connection between some European Ultra groups and far right extremism, racism, fascism and organised hooliganism. BCFC wants to make it very clear that it rejects any such association, and that those in favour of using violence in the name of Bristol City FC are not wanted at Ashton Gate. They bring shame on the club and our City. I am sure that the vast majority of ours supporters will agree with this.
I am sure this reply will generate a long and passionate response from some supporters, claiming that the UK Ultra scene has no connection with these groups, and that they are more about generating passionate support, flags, banners, atmosphere etc. This may well be the case, but the association is still there in most people's minds and is not one we welcome. Flags are welcome, as is vocal and passionate support, but not the word Ultras.
This is not about 'suits' versus the people. It's about BCFC (and Bristol Sport) making a very clear statement about its values. We are a family club who welcome everyone to Ashton Gate, young and old, and encourages support in all its varied forms, providing it stays within the law.
For that reason, the word 'Ultras' has no place at Ashton Gate.
I look forward to the ensuing debate.
Your flag contained the word 'Ultras" and was prominently displayed, on national television, in front of 8 million people. There is a proven and established connection between some European Ultra groups and far right extremism, racism, fascism and organised hooliganism. BCFC wants to make it very clear that it rejects any such association, and that those in favour of using violence in the name of Bristol City FC are not wanted at Ashton Gate. They bring shame on the club and our City. I am sure that the vast majority of ours supporters will agree with this.
I am sure this reply will generate a long and passionate response from some supporters, claiming that the UK Ultra scene has no connection with these groups, and that they are more about generating passionate support, flags, banners, atmosphere etc. This may well be the case, but the association is still there in most people's minds and is not one we welcome. Flags are welcome, as is vocal and passionate support, but not the word Ultras.
This is not about 'suits' versus the people. It's about BCFC (and Bristol Sport) making a very clear statement about its values. We are a family club who welcome everyone to Ashton Gate, young and old, and encourages support in all its varied forms, providing it stays within the law.
For that reason, the word 'Ultras' has no place at Ashton Gate.
I look forward to the ensuing debate.
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