Cliftonville supporter clubs come together in call for 'all to work towards reuniting our club'
Three Cliftonville Supporters Clubs have released a joint statement calling “for all to work towards reuniting our club” and insisted there’s no room for personal abuse after the North Belfast outfit issued a message from their management committee.
The Jonny Addis Cliftonville Supporters Club, Tommy Breslin North Belfast Reds and Michael Newberry Cliftonville Supporters Club have come together to call on the club’s fanbase to give full support to Jim Magilton’s side in Saturday’s Irish Cup clash against Glenavon.
There has been a period of unrest and uncertainty at Solitude in recent months with Toronto Investment Group (TIG) withdrawing their proposed takeover bid, claiming Cliftonville’s board “was not working in good faith”.
A number of fans have also called for the resignation of chairman Kieran Harding alongside other board members.
After an Extraordinary General Meeting last month was called to an early halt, the club’s members will reconvene on February 16 to discuss the same agenda.
The three aforementioned supporter groups hopes that can begin the process of “stabilising the football club” as the Reds look to move forward.
"As supporters who care deeply about our football club, we believe it is vital to restate the importance of respectful debate within the Cliftonville community,” read the joint statement. “Disagreement, differing views and strong opinions are a natural and healthy part of any supporter base, but this must never spill over into personal comments, abuse or character attacks - regardless of who they come from or who they are directed at.
"Such behaviour only weakens the collective strength of our club.
“A healthy football club is one where debate and constructive criticism are encouraged, where supporters feel able to question, challenge or seek change without fear of malicious rumours, misinformation or personal smears being used to undermine them.
"Equally, those with opposing views are entitled to express them openly and respectfully. Mutual respect must be the foundation of all discussion.
“With the notice of the EGM in a fortnight and a planned meeting between our three clubs this week, we hope this kickstarts a process of stabilising the football club and for all to work towards reuniting our club and forging a pathway for the future success of our great club.
"We all have a part to play in this, and ensure the next generation of Reds fans enjoy the club like we do.
“Ahead of the Irish Cup tie against Glenavon, we call on all Reds to come together and give the team the raucous, passionate support they deserve from the stands.
"We encourage everyone to wear RED at the game, showing our united support of the team. Our shared love for Cliftonville Football Club must always come first.”
Earlier this week, Cliftonville’s management committee condemned abuse directed at members on Saturday as the Reds faced Glenavon at Mourneview Park.
"We begin by sincerely thanking every one of you for the incredible passion, loyalty and energy you bring to our Football Club” the statement read. “Your support through thick and thin is the heartbeat of everything we do, both on and off the pitch.
“We have always cherished the right of every fan to express their views, raise concerns and engage in lively debate. That fire and honesty are part of what makes following our Club so special and unique.
“That said, we must address a small number of recent incidents where behaviour has clearly crossed the line.
“Unfortunately, on Saturday, some behaviour toward a number of Management Committee members crossed the line of what we consider acceptable. We are looking into the incidents carefully, and where any supporter’s actions are shown to have breached our guidelines, the Club will respond accordingly.
“Sexist, threatening, abusive language or conduct has no place at our Club. We condemn them unequivocally.
“This extends to our online spaces as well. Social media and other platforms are important ways to connect, share opinions and show support, but the same standards of respect apply there. Comments that cross into abuse and threats damage our shared community, and do not respect the values we stand for.
"We urge everyone to be mindful of the impact of their words online and to keep interactions positive and constructive.”