Crystal Palace fan group Holmesdale Fanatics absent for first home match
Ahead of the Friday night clash against Manchester City, a statement from the fan group posted on social media said they would not be in the stands.
Pierre Sage’s first game in charge of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was marked by the notable absence of fan group the Holmesdale Fanatics.
On the eve of the contest against Manchester City, a statement posted on the collective’s X account announced they would be “choosing to stop all organised activity as the HF inside the stadium”, having come to the conclusion that “now is the time for us to recognise that we have taken the HF as far as it can go in the current climate”.
The group, which has existed for more than 20 years, pointed to myriad reasons they felt had blighted football more generally, including “sky-high ticket prices, needless restrictions that are designed to strip away the dignity of supporters, relentless harassment and legal action” which they feel have deterred younger fans.
In his opening press conference, former Lens boss Sage said, alongside the opportunity to manage in the Premier League, part of the appeal of Palace was it is a “special club because it’s the only club with ultras”.
While the group had its detractors, reaction to the announcement was largely a mix of sadness and gratitude, as well as concern about how the stadium atmosphere might be for their first competitive home clash since their Conference League triumph in May.
For Friday’s match, at least, the answer was a rousing one, and the new boss was treated to a warm welcome.