Roy Hodgson wants an amicable solution to the spat that has seen an influential group of Crystal Palace fans credited with inspiring Selhurst Park’s vibrant atmosphere lose their seats in the ground.
The Holmesdale Fanatics, with the support of the club, have in recent years led a “singing section” at Selhurst Park. The group bring flags, drums and songs to each game and lead much of the chanting. But after a row over an attempted expansion of the section this summer, the Fanatics refused to return to their original seats and have since found them sold to other fans. Hodgson hopes the matter can be resolved quickly but also downplayed the significance of the Fanatics’ actions.
“We have 24,500 people coming in to see us play and I think all of them have that desire to get behind the team,” he said. “If there’s a small band of people who for some reason are in some sort of dispute with the club, I hope that will get sorted out in the best possible way. But it won’t affect me, it won’t affect the team and it certainly won’t affect the atmosphere because, as I say, we’ve got 24 and a half thousand people who make the atmosphere and not just a particular group.”
The Fanatics had hoped to expand the singing section, previously in Block B of the Lower Holmesdale Stand, to a larger area directly behind the goal. The club supported the measure but consultation with other fans already sitting in those seats found they were unwilling to move.
In response the Fanatics did not take up their option on their seats in Block B and many will be sitting elsewhere in the stadium for the visit of Liverpool on Monday. The club have encouraged those now sitting in the seats of block B to bring their own flags and banners. “The atmosphere is extremely important,” said Hodgson. “But I expect the atmosphere to be every bit as good as it was last year.”
