Blue Union numbers shrink on second march

The route planned for the march differed from the first protest; this allowed the march to cover a wider area. The plan for the march remained the same as Blue Union officials providing supporters with instructions before the march began.

Forums, message boards and social media websites have again been awash with fans airing their views on the planned protest. This has created tension with a handful of fans, from both sides, abusing those who don’t share their views. A small minority of fans on both sides of the protesting fence have branded others, ‘kopites’ or ‘traitors’; two of the more printable insults.  One problem to arise, during the build up to the protest, has been the conduct of certain Blue Union supporters.

A small pocket of fans have used the internet to abuse others, even claiming lifelong Evertonians aren’t true fans. Whilst their actions are shocking; people need to remember that they are not working on behalf of the Blue Union nor are they linked in any way. These mindless few are just using their support of the protest as an excuse to abuse other fans.

A quote used in a newspaper yesterday, best described how fans should approach any debates with other Everton fans. Whilst many have differing views on the protest and the club hierarchy; “You may not agree with their methods”. Fans should respect that people are following what they believe in; “but don’t question their motives”. People can express their opinions, through the medium of free speech; something they should do without fearing the abuse of others.

Amidst the recent leaking of internal club emails, Robert Elstone released a blog rightly condemned the leaking of the private documents; “certain individuals claiming to be Evertonians have made attempts to undermine the people of Everton Football Club”. The club is carrying out an internal investigation; which suggests that the problem lies within the club. The emails showed that the club is creaking, badly, under the pressure of trying to find investment.

The march began shortly after 2pm, with protesters gathering on the Spellow Lane council ground, as Blue Union representatives gave a brief speech to their supporters. The chairman, Dave Kelly, spoke of the group’s reasons for protesting and their need to carry on their work. He spoke of a wish to see Everton be a major force once more, as the club is “a heavyweight of English football”; a sentiment all Everton fans would echo. The group’s message to the club hierarchy was for the board members to “let go if you love the club”.

The initial numbers at the protest meeting point were down on the first protest. Upon the request of the Blue Union officers, fans moved into the centre of the council ground. The Blue Union chairman continued with his speech, as the number of protesters began to grow. At around 2:15pm, the protesters began marching down Langham Street.

Initially the main chant used was “let go if you love the club”, as they moved to Walton Road; past the Royal Oak pub. The majority of the roads had been closed off by police, making it easy to distinguish protesters from others.

The protesters marched up Spellow Lane, past the original starting point, towards Goodison Park. As the protest reached Goodison Road, the main chant had switched to “There’s only one Billy Liar”.

The number of protesters had grown vastly by this point with the number seemingly around 500. The march progressed to Goodison Road and down towards the Main Stand area. Over the course of the march, passers-by had mixed reactions to the protest. Some stopped to applaud the protesters, with several joining in, whilst some looked upon the protesters with scorn and disgust.

As the protest moved towards the Main Stand entrances, several bystanders had a few abusive shouts for the protesters. A fan watching the protest called one woman, “a disgrace”. This sort of action is deplorable; an individual following what they believe in is no grounds for being labelled a disgrace.

The protest was again carried out in a well organised manner and the supporters of the Blue Union were respectful of others fans nearby. The chanting turned to Everton songs as the protesters stopped in front of the Main Stand. The protest lasted around 20 minutes and the Blue Union thanked their supporters, just after 2:35pm, as the fans dispersed to make their way into the stadium.

Whilst The Blue Union remains the minority and thousands disagree with their views and opinions, they deserve praise; to an extent. The group have chosen to stand up and fight for what they believe in, when it would have been easier to fade into the background. People may not agree with what they are doing but they cannot question their reasons for doing it; they believe they can help lead the club into a better future.

All Evertonians want what is best for their great club and that is something all fans should remember.

Some show it by protesting, others support the board and many shut out the politics to focus on the team. Whilst fans may not always agree with others, they should still show them the respect they deserve; as fellow Evertonians.

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