Charlton Athletic have reacted to protests launched by fans disillusioned with how the club has operated since the arrival of Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet.
In a controversial statement, the club accused fans who protested Sunday’s game against Middlesbrough of ‘wanting the club to fail’.
Anger among Charlton‘s fan base has reached boiling point in recent months with many claiming that the club is rapidly losing its identity.
Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet has made a number of unpopular decisions since buying the club in January 2013. These include selling fans’ favorite Yann Kermorgant, sacking club legend Chris Powell and appointing the inexperienced Karel Fraeye as head coach earlier in the season.
The statement read: “Dear fans, last Sunday, some individuals did not come to The Valley to watch the game and support the team, but came to create disorder on the pitch and interfere with the players and the game. Disorder which is, allegedly, needed to drive change in ownership and management.
“Whom would they expect the club to be sold to? How long would a sales process take? Is it easier to sell the club when it is in League One rather than Championship?
“Some individuals seem to want the club to fail. This is a confused approach, since following this logic leads to exactly the opposite of what we all want: staying in the Championship.
“Allegations regarding the CEO are misrepresented* and are continuously used as a method to discredit and fuel personal abuse, hatred and with a risk to personal safety.
“Although certain individuals tell you it does not happen, in recent weeks Roland Duchatelet has met the fans, the CEO has met with several different groups of fans and the communications team have attended several fans meetings. We will continue these meetings and constructive dialogue with fans.
“We have 9 games left in which we have to get 6 points more than our competitors.
“The team just got 7 points out of 3 games.
“We still have the chance to make it happen with the support of the fans until the very last game. We must believe it is still possible. Every football fan knows the 12th man is a crucial factor in the success on the pitch.”
Charlton’s Supporters Trust described the statement as ‘extraordinary’, saying “at first we believed it to be a spoof.” They also denied that they had never met Duchatelet or his communications team.
