Charlton deny ‘threatening to ban fans’ who post negative comments about club on social media
CHARLTON ATHLETIC have denied trying to censor their own fans by making them sign an "Agreed Behavioural Contract" before issuing their season tickets.
It was believed supporters were sent letters explaining how they would have to meet with club duty officer Cliff Eager to pick up their season tickets, but first would have to sign the "ABC" pledging that they would not:
The letter posted to Twitter read: “We are writing to you in relation to your recent purchase of a Season Ticket for the forthcoming 2016/17 season.
"Whilst we appreciate your continued support here at The Valley you will no doubt be more than aware of some of the issues that we unfortunately experienced towards the end of last season.
“As a club we have listened to and acted upon some of the concerns raised by the supporters during the closed season.
"We have identified however that certain comments placed on social media websites by yourself have been not particularly constructive.
"Whilst we recognise that everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion it is not helpful when inflammatory comments are posted on such websites.
“As a result it has been decided that your season ticket will be allocated to you, in person by myself at the club by mutual appointment. If you can please let me know when will be convenient we can agree a date time when such issue may be made.
“I need to advise you that the granting of your season ticket will be ‘conditional’ and subject to you signing an ‘Agreed Behavioral Contract’ (ABC) which will request that you refrain from posting derogatory or inflammatory comments regarding the Club or people representing the club in the future on any social media websites, or carrying out any other form of behaviour that could be deemed to be of an anti-social nature."
But a statement released by Charlton confirms the letter was genuine, but that it was only sent to one fan, who has met with club officials over repeated abusive behaviour towards members of staff on Charlton’s official social media accounts.
The statement continued that no other letters were sent to supporters and that the fan in question was given his 2016/17 season ticket and he was not asked to sign an Agreed Behavioural Contract.
Nevertheless, there were numerous protests at The Valley last season, including a funeral march near the ground depicting the ‘death’ of the club as well as two delays totalling FIFTEEN minutes during the Brighton home fixture due to angry supporters lobbing beach balls onto the pitch.
Tomorrow the Addicks play their first home game of the season in League 1 at home to Northampton having lost both games so far under new manager Russell Slade.
Fans have had enough of owner Duchatelet’s tenure which has seen several key players sold, a multitude of managers walk through the door and relegation from the Championship.
Although the Belgian supremo, who has not attending a game since October 21 2014, can take credit for keeping the club's finances on an even keel.