Holmesdale Fanatics, the Crystal Palace Ultras group, have criticised the club for removing their banner from the Holmesdale Road Stand.
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The banner was placed behind the goal at Selhurst Park, which Palace traditionally shoot towards in the second half. However, it has now been removed and replaced by LED advertising screens.
In protest of the banner’s removal, the Holmesdale Fanatics have said that they will not display flags or tifos until the banner is returned.
“Sabotaging” fan support
In a statement from the passionate fan group, they said: “After a strong start on Saturday, it’s time to push on together for what we all hope will be a proud unified era.
Restore the Holmesdale.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/jtwjXlhkOM
— Holmesdale Fanatics (@ultrascpfc) February 27, 2024
“Our top-flight status at Palace has been built upon that very unity and galvanised by a unique fanbase and style of support which brings untold positives.
“So, for the club to be sabotaging that very support is beyond comprehension.
“Removing the long standing group banner for more soulless LED advertising goes against every principle that the Palace identity has been built on and is flat out insulting to years of hard work and loyalty. The banner is symbolic and represents the unique Holmesdale support from all in the stand. Even corporate teams such as Chelsea and Man Utd have chosen to offer multiple upper tier spaces for supporters banners.
Reduction in displays at Selhurst Park
The Holmesdale Fanatics also bemoaned the club’s ongoing ban on flags and banners in the upper tier of the Holmesdale Road Strand.
“This cynical decision goes hand in hand with the ongoing and unjustified bans on our tifo displays from the upper tier which leads to 75% fewer Selhurst displays.”
Crystal Palace fans being held back by club decisions
The group concluded their statement by warning the club about the dangers of prioritising corporation over fan support.
Holmesdale Fanatics said: “Glasner has come from a league which puts supporters front and centre but currently he, the players and Palace fans are being denied the true level of the support we are capable of by these poor club decisions, choosing corporation over their own fans.
And just as the fanbase was gearing up for a unified day, the club go and remove our Holmesdale Fanatics banner to make way for flashing LED boards. Choosing advertising over supporters.
Glasner values the Ultra scene, so everyone loses out from the clubs anti-supporter actions. pic.twitter.com/NMCg62GNCn
— AdamFanatics05 (@AdamFanatics05) February 24, 2024
“Until our banner is returned and displays are again permitted from the upper tier, the group will be withdrawing flags and tifos at Selhurst.
“We are committed to pushing the support on and later this week will be launching a crowdfunder to provide permanent flags for use at every game for the whole Holmesdale. When and if these get used is dependent on the club remembering what our identity is about and putting the above points right. Urgent action is needed from them before the next home game.”