Monday 19 January 2015
Thursday 8 January 2015
The Football Revolution: Fans Reclaiming the Game
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Clapton
FC Ultras – Scaffold Brigadia
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There has been a tradition in the UK of thinking politics
and football do not mix. I personally would argue that football and politics
have always mixed. I believe the current neo-liberal economic programme is
deeply political and football like most areas of life is being consumed by it.
For many years there has been resistance to the neo-liberal project in mainland
Europe with Ultra groups at clubs such as Besiktas (Turkey), Ray Vallecano
(Spain) and St Pauli (Germany) leading the way.
For many years UK football fans like wider British
society have been largely passive to it. However, things are beginning to
change with the rise of fan activism and fan ownership and also with the rise
of a more ideological football fan. Below are some organisations which are
leading the way in resisting neo liberalism and the ‘modern’ football it has
created.
STAND
Fanzine
A fanzine that gives the opportunity for like-minded
people to take a considered look at the state of the game. They attempt to
introduce and investigate alternatives to negative aspects of modern football
and to bring together disaffected fans.
www.standamf.com
Crystal
Palace Ultras – The Holmesdale Fanatics
They would not describe themselves as left wing, but they
have led many supporter campaigns which every progressive fan would support: against
high ticket pricing, game 39 and repressive policing.
holmesdale.proboards.com
Clapton
FC Ultras – Scaffold Brigadia
The most ideological fan group in the UK; with the group
actively promoting anti fascism and football for all. They are rooted firmly in
the activist tradition shown by them running collections for local food banks
and promoting anti-racism and anti-sexism within football. They have also helped
bring an excellent atmosphere to both their home and away games.
claptonultras.tumblr.com
Dulwich
Hamlet – The Rabble – ComFast Chapter
Firm advocates of ‘Future Football’ which is their unique
positive spin on ‘Againast Modern Football’ slogan – they mix chanting with left wing politics as a way of rebelling
against commercialised football culture. The ComFast Chapter and the Rabble
(the collective name of the Dulwich fans) as a whole have helped bring a
carnival atmosphere to non-league football. The Rabble have also advocated an
inclusive environment at the games presenting both an anti-sexism and anti-racism
message in the stadium.
www.dulwichhamlet.org
Football
Beyond Borders
Football Beyond Borders
uses the power of football to inspire young people to achieve their goals and
make their voices heard.
www.footballbeyondborders.org
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