Brighton's survival hopes were boosted by a unique event at the Goldstone Ground. Kevin Bartholomew reports
At the time of writing, Brighton’s future is being decided in protracted negotiations between chairman Bill Archer and consortium leader Dick Knight. Meanwhile, the appointment of new manager Steve Gritt to what was described in the press as “the worst job in football” has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the team’s fortunes.
These events have not, however, lessened the fans’ determination to force the departure of Archer and his partner-in-crime David Bellotti and their invective has been channelled into increasingly inventive forms of protest.
But the best idea of them all, Fans United, was suggested by a 15-year-old Plymouth fan, Richard Vaughan, who was inspired by the hundreds of messages of support appearing on the Seagull’s Internet site. It was obvious that the plight of the Albion had struck a chord with other fans, many of whom probably realized that they could find themselves in an equally vulnerable position, especially in light of the FA’s blatant refusal to take any direct action against the club’s owners.
The aim was simple: to invite all supporters to show their solidarity with the Brighton fans by coming to a match at the Goldstone in their own club’s colours. However this wasn’t just about Brighton. It was also about making a stand against greed and corruption in the game in general, and about supporters having the right to be heard. Fans United’s motto, “Help save Brighton, Help save football”, summed it up perfectly.
The match against Hartlepool on 8th February was chosen for the event, which was publicized via the Internet and ads in weekly football magazines. It turned out to be a truly memorable occasion. It was estimated that among the crowd of over 8,000 (the best of the season in the Third Division) were fans of virtually every other League team. There were also representatives from Europe, including a busload from a German supporters’ organization, a group of Real Madrid fans who draped a banner over the directors’ box, and even a Red Star supporter who brought along a whistle used in the demonstrations in Belgrade.
All the more shame, then, on the national media whose coverage, on a day of no Premiership action, was pitiful (some newspapers didn’t even give it a mention). This aside, Fans United was an unqualified success. As well as sending a clear message to Archer and co, it demonstrated that supporters can put their allegiances to one side and has prompted suggestions that such an event is held every year at other clubs with similar problems.
For the Brighton supporters it was quite simply a very special day and few will forget the sight, in this the club’s last season at the Goldstone, of a hundred different scarves saying together to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone”. At the end of the match as people left to a chorus of “Football United Will Never Be Defeated”, I even spotted someone in a Crystal Palace shirt. Whatever next?Archer and Bellotti to admit they were wrong?
From WSC 122 April 1997. What was happening this month