Statement from an Official of LCFC re Fosse Boys

[unreachable]

This initial meeting led to an agreement that the Fosse Boys could bring banners and flags in to the ground, without poles, and that their vocal support of the team throughout the game would be encouraged. However, the club stated to the group that persistent standing would not be allowed, as per stadium regulations. In return for this, Leicester City pledged to allow the Fosse Boys to relocate to SK1, for a trial basis of four matches.

So what has all the fuss been about - numerous Fosse Boy threads, facebook pages, petition, badges, scarfs etc - when the allowing of "persistent standing" seems never to have been agreed in the first place?

How many people would have been supporting the Fosse Boys if they had known that they had to sit down?

[Guest ttfn]

The persistent standing thing is ridiculous, they're not obstructing anybody's view or causing a health and safety risk.

The club needs to spend more time focusing on the poor performance on the pitch and less time on the supporters attempting to help turn our season around, or at least have a good time trying.

Funny how "LCFC Official" is available for comment on this issue 2 days before a meeting though. Not the most professional attitude in the world really. Not that Milan would be bothered with something like this, but it stinks of the sort of underhand tactics he likes to employ. Flood the media in any way you can with total tripe and then claim to be the bigger man and saviour of the club.

I can virtually guarantee that an article will appear in the Mercury before the next home game from MM urging fans to "raise the roof" and make it seem like creating an atmosphere was all his idea.

[Houdini Logic]

So what has all the fuss been about - numerous Fosse Boy threads, facebook pages, petition, badges, scarfs etc - when the allowing of "persistent standing" seems never to have been agreed in the first place?

How many people would have been supporting the Fosse Boys if they had known that they had to sit down?

Yeah because the 'Free the Fosse Boys 8' scarves obviously came about after all this happened and weren't created before the club turned as a simple fashion accessory.

Tit

[bettso]

Can any of the Fosse Boys confirm or deny that the content of LCFC Official's post is accurate?

I would be especially interested to know if the claim that in the Fosse Boy's initial meeting with the club they were told that they could not stand is true.

[Babylon]

Can any of the Fosse Boys confirm or deny that the content of LCFC Official's post is accurate?

I would be especially interested to know if the claim that in the Fosse Boy's initial meeting with the club they were told that they could not stand.

By buying a ticket they are agreeing not to stand. The club would never agree to or authorise a standing area.

[unreachable]

Yeah because the 'Free the Fosse Boys 8' scarves obviously came about after all this happened and weren't created before the club turned as a simple fashion accessory.

Tit

Can you post again please? Your post doesn't make sense.

[Houdini Logic]

Can you post again please? Your post doesn't make sense.

I'll put it simply for you - you were implying that the scarves and badges were created as part of the FB protest against the club, and if you knew anything about the subject you'd realise these were created a long time ago simply as a fashion accessory

[bettso]

By buying a ticket they are agreeing not to stand. The club would never agree to or authorise a standing area.

That is true, just as it's true that we all agree not to smoke a cigerette in the concourse, piss on the floor in the toilet or bring a flask of drink into the ground but many people do all of these things.

I would just like any member of the Fosse Boys who were at this meeting to deny or confirm that the club told them that they were not permitted to stand.

[sdb]

Firstly, I'm all for Fosse Boys. I've signed the petition, great idea etc, etc.

But fair play to the club for the statement. What they've said is fair, and they're following the regulations that they have to. I've not read every post here but i'm sure there are some moaning about the original post.

What I would say is, if FB want to continue to grow and to be successful, there's gonna have to be some give and take between them and the club. Stand up when we score, when the team comes out, when we win a dangerous set-peice, and milk it too. But don't push it to the extent that other fans/stewards/the people at the top are gonna get arsey with you. Easier said then done when i'm sat at home on a weds night and not at a game with a few beers in me freezing my nuts off, but in the cold light of day that'd seem the best way forward, for the time being at least.

[stripeyfox]

Firstly, I'm all for Fosse Boys. I've signed the petition, great idea etc, etc.

But fair play to the club for the statement. What they've said is fair, and they're following the regulations that they have to. I've not read every post here but i'm sure there are some moaning about the original post.

What I would say is, if FB want to continue to grow and to be successful, there's gonna have to be some give and take between them and the club. Stand up when we score, when the team comes out, when we win a dangerous set-peice, and milk it too. But don't push it to the extent that other fans/stewards/the people at the top are gonna get arsey with you. Easier said then done when i'm sat at home on a weds night and not at a game with a few beers in me freezing my nuts off, but in the cold light of day that'd seem the best way forward, for the time being at least.

They've not really said anything though. And it isn't on their own website which means it isn't an official statement at all.

They're clutching at straws - they've backed themselves into a corner where they either have to turn a blind eye to the FB or enforce sitting down around the ground (including visitors) which they know they can't do.

[samjohnson]

What confuses me about this is... Why tell the Fosse Boys to sit and refuse them entry if they fail to comply... Yet they allow L block to stand throughout the game without a battering of the eyelashes...

Surely the time has come to start allowing Safe terraces back into football... The mob/ firm culture of the 70's/80's has been and gone...

Yet that is another conversation for another day/ thread...

[lcfc_jme]

Can any of the Fosse Boys confirm or deny that the content of LCFC Official's post is accurate?

I would be especially interested to know if the claim that in the Fosse Boy's initial meeting with the club they were told that they could not stand is true.

As I understand it, the bits of the "official statement" posted on here that are untrue are:

As an official on behalf of the club I would like to make clear the following points and correct some misinformation that has been published.

-----------------------------

The Fosse Boys attended the Sunderland pre-season friendly and complied with the club's request, apart from persistently standing during the first half. The group did sit down in the second half when asked to do so.

-----------------------------

Further to this, Leicester City Football Club would like to clarify that no supporters were refused entry to the Reading game on Saturday August 28th. However, a small group of eight supporters were relocated from SK1 to LK section.

-------------------------------

In fact, the club is in support of new initiatives to help improve the matchday atmosphere. Leicester City sees the Fosse Boys as a welcome addition towards the diverse mix of our supporter base, which will hopefully continue to help in creating an improved atmosphere at the Walkers Stadium.

I'm not entirely convinced that this is a club official, seeing as the club have thus far communicated everything to the Fosse Boys via phonecalls, and also have a meeting with them later this week.

Evidently the club will have said at some stage persistant standing will not be tolerated, it's just one of the generic things they have to say. However, there was no request to the Fosse Boys to sit down in the second half of the Sunderland game - that was a decision made entirely by the Fosse Boys to appease Kevin's certain fear and rage over the first-half standing. That said, standing is rife in many areas of the ground and is completely ignored, shown by L1, K, the entire back of the Kop and the group of old Koppites who stood infront of the Fosse Boys unchallenged. Members of the Fosse Boys refused entry to SK1 on Saturday were told to go to L1 or K as they would be allowed to stand freely in there. Beautiful hypocrisy.

As for nobody beng refused entry at the Reading game, well, that's a lie. We were told point blank that we would not be going into the ground at the turnstiles for SK1. It took the club 10 whole minutes to agree to allow us in to the ground round at L1. Sure, we eventually got in, but the point remains that initially and for a small period of time we were infact refused entry.

The club also only supports initiatives to improve atmosphere that they themselves can take credit for, and they always seem to go back on their word at the earliest possible opportunity. They did it with N Block and now they're trying it with the Fosse Boys. If they did, as claimed, agree to give the Fosse Boys 4 games in SK1, why have they tried to separate and destroy the group in the 2nd game of this trial? Makes a lot of sense and does not make them look cowardly at all.

[unreachable]

I'll put it simply for you - you were implying that the scarves and badges were created as part of the FB protest against the club, and if you knew anything about the subject you'd realise these were created a long time ago simply as a fashion accessory

I see. Recent posters think that wearing badges and scarfs mean that they support the Fosse Boys whereas I doubt they would wear them if they knew that the club had never allowed "persistent standing".

[Kilworthfox]

As an official on behalf of the club I would like to make clear the following points and correct some misinformation that has been published.

In July 2010, Leicester City Football Club officials met with representatives from supporters’ group, the Fosse Boys and discussed their aspirations to create an improved matchday atmosphere within the Walkers Stadium.

The club was, and remains, in full support of the efforts of the Fosse Boys and is keen to assist in improving the atmosphere and matchday experience for all Leicester City supporters.

This initial meeting led to an agreement that the Fosse Boys could bring banners and flags in to the ground, without poles, and that their vocal support of the team throughout the game would be encouraged. However, the club stated to the group that persistent standing would not be allowed, as per stadium regulations. In return for this, Leicester City pledged to allow the Fosse Boys to relocate to SK1, for a trial basis of four matches.

The Fosse Boys attended the Sunderland pre-season friendly and complied with the club’s request, apart from persistently standing during the first half. The group did sit down in the second half when asked to do so.

Prior to the Middlesbrough game on Saturday August 14th, the club reiterated its position on persistent standing and asked for reassurance from the group that they would refrain from standing. No response to this request was received and the Fosse Boys subsequently stood throughout the majority of the game.

Further to this, Leicester City Football Club would like to clarify that no supporters were refused entry to the Reading game on Saturday August 28th. However, a small group of eight supporters were relocated from SK1 to LK section.

The club has never prevented the Fosse Boys from either singing, supporting the team, waving scarves, or displaying banners. In fact, the club is in support of new initiatives to help improve the matchday atmosphere. The re-recording of club anthem, ‘When You’re Smiling’, close to the end of last season, is one example of how the club has tried to improve the atmosphere. Leicester City sees the Fosse Boys as a welcome addition towards the diverse mix of our supporter base, which will hopefully continue to help in creating an improved atmosphere at the Walkers Stadium.

Genuinely words fail me!!!!!!!! Firstly it's a terrible rerecording, which actually is besides the point, how does playing a pre recorded song add to a matchday atmosphere?

Answer: It does not! It will never!

This seemingly innocent attempt really shows me how far out of touch some decision makers at the club are from the hardcore fans, especially the standers who actually are the creaters of atmosphere at the ground.

For the record atmosphere is largely generated by the supporters when something happpens on the pitch! this usually consists of effort, an injustice, a goal either for or against or commitment especially at Leicester where this is usually appreciated more than skill. If those at the club can't understand this your in the wrong job Blue. Also it really is not for the club how supporters create atmosphere, I understand that supporters have to comply with the current regulations, however they are openly flaunted in the South Stand & blocks L&K, the actions to send 8 supporters almost seems that the club is willing 2 flaunt it's own rules as long as a large minority all flaunt the regs in a certain place! Its not a great precident to set is it?

[bettso]

As I understand it, the bits of the "official statement" posted on here that are untrue are:

I'm not entirely convinced that this is a club official, seeing as the club have thus far communicated everything to the Fosse Boys via phonecalls, and also have a meeting with them later this week.

Evidently the club will have said at some stage persistant standing will not be tolerated, it's just one of the generic things they have to say. However, there was no request to the Fosse Boys to sit down in the second half of the Sunderland game - that was a decision made entirely by the Fosse Boys to appease Kevin's certain fear and rage over the first-half standing. That said, standing is rife in many areas of the ground and is completely ignored, shown by L1, K, the entire back of the Kop and the group of old Koppites who stood infront of the Fosse Boys unchallenged. Members of the Fosse Boys refused entry to SK1 on Saturday were told to go to L1 or K as they would be allowed to stand freely in there. Beautiful hypocrisy.

As for nobody beng refused entry at the Reading game, well, that's a lie. We were told point blank that we would not be going into the ground at the turnstiles for SK1. It took the club 10 whole minutes to agree to allow us in to the ground round at L1. Sure, we eventually got in, but the point remains that initially and for a small period of time we were infact refused entry.

The club also only supports initiatives to improve atmosphere that they themselves can take credit for, and they always seem to go back on their word at the earliest possible opportunity. They did it with N Block and now they're trying it with the Fosse Boys. If they did, as claimed, agree to give the Fosse Boys 4 games in SK1, why have they tried to separate and destroy the group in the 2nd game of this trial? Makes a lot of sense and does not make them look cowardly at all.

Were you at the meeting or are you going on what you believe, read or have been told?

I dont want to appear to be pedantic but I really want a difinitive yes or no from a member of the Fosse Boys as to whether the specific point of the club asking them not to stand is true or false.

[fox123]

They have probably put the statement on here 'cause they know it wouldn't get on the official site before the next home game.

Let them stand and sing. Mardy tossers.

[Wdywd]

There is absolutely no chance that 'official' will post again.

I agree with much of what has been posted in this thread. What confuses me the most is that from a purely business point of view, why are the club insistent on alienating the people it needs to survive?

It's not like we sell out every week, if the hardcore support stops going, then what are they going to do?

[haraven]

I think this is a whind-up.

Fair play if club officials came online to Foxes Talk and wants to communicate in a way many fans do - but if they wanted to make sure this would be taken 100% seriously, which it should since it is a serious matter, I would assume a club official would make his/her name known, or for starters directly communicate with one of the Fosse Boys founders who could vouch for the identity of the poster.

I would love to be wrong, but I think this is someone having a laugh. Time for admins to cross-check ip addresses - and look for well known proxy services...

[SamL]

Were you at the meeting or are you going on what you believe, read or have been told?

I dont want to appear to be pedantic but I really want a difinitive yes or no from a member of the Fosse Boys as to whether the specific point of the club asking them not to stand is true or false.

The point is, the club have stated that they do not condone persistent standing within the Walkers Stadium, without relating it specifically to the Fosse Boys. As far as I'm aware, that is all they've said.

However, if the Club persist on saying that they have told the Fosse Boys to sit down, why are they making an example of the group while allowing other sets of supporters within the ground to stand freely? At the end of the day, we're all supporters so we should be treated equally. The club cannot discriminate against the Fosse Boys just because we're an official group, while allowing L/K/SK to stand freely.

[unreachable]

Can any of the Fosse Boys confirm or deny that the content of LCFC Official's post is accurate?

I would be especially interested to know if the claim that in the Fosse Boy's initial meeting with the club they were told that they could not stand is true.

LCFC-ARAB Post #957 in Fosse boys to be ejected - time to make a stand thread says:

“and we know we wont get the club to let us stand, we never asked them to let us stand. we just want them to ignore us! and we really wish we had never that meeting in the first place. we jus wanted to ask fo flag poles.... and they said no anyway

and they can ignore us because a home section of a stadium has NEVER been closed due to persistant standing! and i would be really shocked if anyone can find proof of fines being handed out to clubs or anything at all that has happened to a club because fans stand”

If LCFC-ARAB is telling the truth then why were so many posters in the Fosse Boys threads talking about standing when standing was not part of the original scheme?

[davieG]

Leicester City Football Club would like to clarify that no supporters were refused entry to the Reading game on Saturday August 28th. However, a small group of eight supporters were relocated from SK1 to LK section.

If the club used the tactic of stopping fans entering SK1 in order to prevent them standing why did they redirect them to LK which I understand is full of fans standing?

Or if the club where using the tactic of dividing the Fosse Boys up to prevent them standing why haven't they used this tactic to try to prevent standing in L1 and moved some of them to different parts of the ground?

I'm confused or maybe I've misunderstood the statement. Or perhaps you had a different reason for moving them as you haven't explained why you took this action.

[lcfc_jme]

Were you at the meeting or are you going on what you believe, read or have been told?

I dont want to appear to be pedantic but I really want a difinitive yes or no from a member of the Fosse Boys as to whether the specific point of the club asking them not to stand is true or false.

I wasn't at their specific meeting unfortunately, though I spoke to somebody who was there not long after it took place. I can also nigh-on guarantee that I had a few meetings with the club which were almost identical to the one that took place between them and the Fosse Boys back in the days of the N Block fiasco. The club would almost certainly have trotted out the "you will not be allowed to persistantly stand" mantra in the same way they would have said "we're really interested in what you want to do" and "we want you to make the atmosphere better", and would also almost certainly have side-stepped any questions as to why L1, K and the back of the Kop can stand but nobody else is allowed.

[bettso]

The point is, the club have stated that they do not condone persistent standing within the Walkers Stadium. As far as I'm aware, that is all they've said.

However, if the Club persist on saying that they have told the Fosse Boys to sit down, why are they making an example of the group while allowing other sets of supporters within the ground to stand freely? At the end of the day, we're all supporters so we should be treated equally. The club cannot discriminate against the Fosse Boys just because we're an official group, while allowing L/K/SK to stand freely.

That's a seperate issue.

I'm asking for a member of the Fosse Boys to confirm or deny that in the first meeting, they were told that they were not permitted to stand.

That's all I want to know.

The issue of supporters standing in another part of the ground is a completely seperate issue and all I want is the point I have mentioned clarifying.

[KFS]

Cheers for the post Kev, nice to see you acknowledging the Fosse Boys.

[bettso]

LCFC-ARAB Post #957 in Fosse boys to be ejected - time to make a stand thread says:

“and we know we wont get the club to let us stand, we never asked them to let us stand. we just want them to ignore us! and we really wish we had never that meeting in the first place. we jus wanted to ask fo flag poles.... and they said no anyway

and they can ignore us because a home section of a stadium has NEVER been closed due to persistant standing! and i would be really shocked if anyone can find proof of fines being handed out to clubs or anything at all that has happened to a club because fans stand”

If LCFC-ARAB is telling the truth then why were so many posters in the Fosse Boys threads talking about standing when standing was not part of the original scheme?

This is part of the reason why I want the point clarifying