Latest news with #DulwichHamlet
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Women's final abandoned over safety amid Palestine protest, says club
A women's regional cup final was abandoned over "a perceived risk to safety" when fans refused to remove flags and banners showing support for Community were playing Dulwich Hamlet Reserves in the final of the London and South East Women's Regional Football League (L&SERWFL) Trophy, which was hosted at Gallagher Stadium, the home of National League South men's side Maidstone of both sides displayed pro-Palestinian flags and banners for the game on Sunday, amid the ongoing conflict with game kicked off as scheduled but after 20 minutes, with Clapton leading 2-0, the match was paused after a request for the flags and banners to be moved was rejected. Maidstone United issued a statement, external that said "the match was abandoned by league and match officials, in consultation with the stewarding team, for reasons of a perceived risk to safety and with regard to clear stadium regulations and FA guidelines."This was because spectators refused requests to remove non-football related banners and flags."Maidstone United is a football club serving the local community. Ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for spectators in the stadium is a priority. The club does not engage in politics of any kind."Ground regulations typically ban flags and banners which carry political messaging, in line with guidance from governing bodies Fifa and Football Association rules, clubs can be sanctioned if fan behaviour is deemed improper or has the potential to ground regulations refer to the banning of flags and banners if they can be used as weapons, or "interfere with the viewing of spectators", though go on to say spectators should follow FA and National Football League rules and regulations, and not conduct actions which "could reasonably be construed as, constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to any other person".Football's laws of the game prohibit political messaging on kits and equipment, and it is not uncommon for this principal to be applied more widely.A statement from Clapton issued after the game said management at the venue objected to the presence of a Palestine flag among their support and a banner displayed by the Dulwich player Tammy Hymas told BBC Sport: "An official from Maidstone came on the pitch and said the game had to stop, as they no longer consented to the stadium being used while political material was present."The game was stopped. As I understand, there was a suggestion the match could continue behind closed doors, with no fans."As a team we refused that offer, we said we wanted to show solidarity, so we went into the stands and joined the fans."Hymas added the action had the support of Jewish members of the club's fanbase who were present at the Clapton supporter, who wanted to be known as Max, said: "When the match was abandoned, Dulwich Hamlet supporters came over to stand with us, and for a moment, it felt genuinely powerful. I've never seen something like it in football - it was beautiful. As a Jewish supporter of Clapton CFC, I feel proud of what the team and the fans stood for."I had so many emotions. At first I was shocked - it just seemed absurd. We were there to watch football. The players wanted to continue. The fans wanted to continue. The responsibility lies with the stadium - and I'll be asking for my money back."After an announcement at Gallagher Stadium saying the match was abandoned, a joint protest took place outside the stadium with both Dulwich and Clapton Community, which describes itself as "a members-owned, members-run football club", said in a statement, external that "32 women were denied the opportunity to play the L&SERWFL Trophy final".It said players and fans were "united in their support and concern for Palestinians" and added: "Showing that support with a flag or banner is no reason to abandon a cup final."Dulwich Hamlet chairman Ben Clasper said in a statement, external that his club had "seen no evidence that our fans have behaved in any way other than the peaceful and dignified manner that we would expect from them, in accordance with the values of our club and that the banners on display were not new, are not in breach of any laws or rules and have been to many games before this final".He added: "We are very disappointed that the L&SERWFL Trophy final has ended in this fashion, and we look forward to a full explanation as to how this was allowed to happen."The London FA told BBC Sport it was "gathering all relevant information and working closely with the appropriate parties".It added: "As this matter is ongoing, we will not be making any further comment at this time."
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Women's cup final abandoned after host objects to 'football fans waving Palestine flags in the stands'
A woman's football cup final was called off after the venue 'refused to have fans waving Palestinian flags in the stands'. The match between Clapton Community Football Club Women and Dulwich Hamlet Reserves was taking place at Maidstone United's Gallagher Stadium on Sunday. The East London team were leading by 2-0 when the match was stopped because of protesters. The Clacton team said that a representative from Maidstone United approached their supporters around 20 minutes into the game and called on them to stop waving a Palestinian flag. The person objected to a banner among the Dulwich fans reading 'Show genocide the red card'. The two teams were offered the chance to continue the match behind closed doors, but this was rejected by Clacton. Instead, the club said in a statement, both sets of fans came together to show solidarity for Palestine. The statement shared on the club's website said: 'Today, 32 women were denied the opportunity to play the L&SERWFL Trophy final. 'About 20 minutes into the match, both Clapton and Dulwich supporters were approached by a representative of Maidstone United, Gallagher Stadium owners. 'He demanded that our supporters must stop waving the Palestinian flag, and the Dulwich supporters must take down their banner which read 'Show genocide the red card'. 'After both groups of supporters refused, a league official walked onto the field of play to stop the game. In a discussion with the match officials, players and coaches, he communicated that we could not use the ground while both the Palestinian flag and the banner were displayed. 'Our given options were to 1) play the game behind closed doors or 2) to abandon the game. 'Clapton's players chose to abandon the game. Both sets of fans then came together in solidarity with the Palestinian people, singing more songs and holding up our banners in support of trans women and the Palestinian people, respectively. 'Our players and fans are united in their support and concern for Palestinians who are being bombed daily. 'Showing that support with a flag or banner is no reason to abandon a cup final.' Ben Clasper, Chairman of Dulwich Hamlet FC, on Monday issued a statement saying: 'We have been told that [the decision for the game to end] was as a result of one of the representatives from the neutral venue selected to host the final objecting to the presence of flags and banners in the crowd amongst both sets of supporters. 'We have spent the last 24 hours speaking with those present and while we await the full facts of what happened, we have seen no evidence that our fans have behaved in any way other than the peaceful and dignified manner that we would expect from them, in accordance with the values of our club and that the banners on display were not new, are not in breach of any laws or rules and have been to many games before this final. 'We are very disappointed that the L&SERWFL Trophy final has ended in this fashion, and we look forward to a full explanation as to how this was allowed to happen.' According to its website, Clapton Community FC is a '100 per cent fan-owned and fan-run' which was formed in 2018, in which there is 'no hierarchy'. There is also no board, and the club is run by a general organising committee. In 2021, members of the club voted to endorse and support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement which itself as a 'Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice, and equality'. The movement accuses the Israeli government of occupying Palestinian territories, discriminating against Palestinian citizens within Israel, and denying Palestinian refugees the right to return. Meanwhile, earlier this year, Dulwich Hamlet FC won the Football V Homophobia Award for the second time as it seeks to 'go above and beyond to support the LGBTQ+ community'. It added in a statement about this award: 'The club's tireless work over the decades has allowed for people from all walks of life whether they are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or not to express themselves inside Champion Hill without the fear of judgement knowing that they'll always have a pink & blue home here at the Hill.' In a statement shared on social media, the Independent Dulwich Hamlet FC Fan Group voiced their support for the protesting fans and for the club who 'refused to bend to the demands of final hosts Maidstone United FC, and every player who refused to play if the flags and banners were removed'. The statement added: 'Sport has long played an important role in putting pressure on governments perpetrating human rights abuses, from South Africa during the apartheid era to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine. 'Those who argue that political protest does not belong in sport are either ignorant or are deliberately ignoring that history. 'This is particularly true in the women's game - access to the game has always been political, and even now, women continue to fight for the right to play football. 'We don't protest at our games because we think one protest in a regional football competition will change what is happening in Gaza.'
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Cup final abandoned over Palestine flag in crowd
A regional cup final was abandoned on Sunday because the venue's management allegedly objected to the presence of Palestine flags in the stands. Clapton Community Football Club Women were leading 2-0 in the London and South East Regional Women's Football League Trophy final against Dulwich Hamlet Reserves at Maidstone United's Gallagher Stadium when the match was called off. Clapton said a representative of Maidstone United approached supporters around 20 minutes into the match and demanded they stop waving a Palestinian flag. He also objected to a banner among the Dulwich supporters, which read: 'Show genocide the red card'. The two teams were offered the opportunity to play on behind closed doors, but Clapton declined. Instead, the club said, both sets of fans then came together 'in solidarity with the Palestinian people, singing more songs and holding up our banners in support of trans women and the Palestine people, respectively.' In a statement issued on behalf of the team, Clapton said: 'Today, 32 women were denied the opportunity to play the L&SERWFL Trophy final. 'About 20 minutes into the match, both Clapton and Dulwich supporters were approached by a representative of Maidstone United, Gallagher Stadium owners. He demanded that our supporters must stop waving the Palestinian flag, and the Dulwich supporters must take down their banner which read 'Show genocide the red card'. 'After both groups of supporters refused, he called the officials together and communicated that we could not use the ground while both the Palestinian flag and the banner were displayed. 'Our given options were to 1) play the game behind closed doors or 2) to abandon the game. Clapton's players chose to abandon the game. Both sets of fans then came together in solidarity with the Palestinian people, singing more songs and holding up our banners in support of trans women and the Palestine people, respectively. 'Our players and supporters are united in their support and concern for Palestinians who are being bombed daily. Showing that support with a flag or banner is no reason to abandon a cup final.' Clapton added that the L&SERWFL, which is at the fifth level of the women's football pyramid, has declared the cup final to be void, with both clubs now facing a potential FA disciplinary process.
South Wales Argus
18-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Isthmian League chairman honoured with Lifetime Achievement
Robinson has had a long and storied career within non-league football, and before becoming Isthmian League chairman, he held the roles of Dulwich Hamlet general secretary between 1975 to 1982, and then Isthmian League secretary until 2005. The honour was kept secret from Robinson until the award ceremony and he expressed how humbled he was to be recognised by those who have also put many years of service into non-league football. 'I did not know anything until I heard, 'when your father was treasurer of a non-league club', that I thought, 'Oh hang on, that is me!',' he said. 'It is my 50th year in football this year, so it is amazing to receive such a recognition.' Amidst a career of dedicated service to non-league football, Robinson was quick to highlight what he believed was his biggest achievement during his time involved with the Isthmian League, which forms part of Step 3 & 4 of the National League System, alongside both the Northern Premier League and Southern League. 'It has been incredible to see the change in non-league football over those years,' he continued. 'In 1975, the Isthmian League had two divisions, now it has four divisions comprising of 88 clubs. 'We used to have elections to determine promotions, now it is all automatic, right from Step 6 up to Step 1. 'You win a league; you get a promotion. It does not depend on somebody liking you or not liking you. And I think that is the biggest achievement of all my 50 years. 'I am very proud of that. We have now got a perfect pyramid, and I am very proud that I have been a part of being able to put that in place.' The National Game Awards is a celebration of the non-league season - highlighting the community, fans, on-field, and off-field successes of the game outside of the English Football League. The ceremony is held each year by the Non-League Paper, the UK's number one selling football title and the best place for your non-league news, with this year's event held at Plough Lane - home of AFC Wimbledon And when asked whether he had any plans to step away from an active role within non-league football, Robinson was unequivocal in his response. 'No, no, no, absolutely not!' he said with a smile. 'I tried to see every club this year, and I think I failed by about three clubs, but I went to nearly 60 grounds. 'It is a commitment and sometimes you question it, but actually, I love it. 'You go along, you meet people, you shake hands with them, and you try and make a difference. 'It is all about talking to people and finding out what they want. It is not always achievable, but I will always try my best to help.' The Non-League Paper is the UK's number one selling football title, available every Sunday. For more information please visit
Powys County Times
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Isthmian League chairman honoured with Lifetime Achievement
Pitching In Isthmian League chairman Nick Robinson was thrilled and surprised in equal measure as he was honoured with the Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement award at the National Game Awards in association with Isuzu. Robinson has had a long and storied career within non-league football, and before becoming Isthmian League chairman, he held the roles of Dulwich Hamlet general secretary between 1975 to 1982, and then Isthmian League secretary until 2005. The honour was kept secret from Robinson until the award ceremony and he expressed how humbled he was to be recognised by those who have also put many years of service into non-league football. 'I did not know anything until I heard, 'when your father was treasurer of a non-league club', that I thought, 'Oh hang on, that is me!',' he said. 'It is my 50th year in football this year, so it is amazing to receive such a recognition.' Amidst a career of dedicated service to non-league football, Robinson was quick to highlight what he believed was his biggest achievement during his time involved with the Isthmian League, which forms part of Step 3 & 4 of the National League System, alongside both the Northern Premier League and Southern League. 'It has been incredible to see the change in non-league football over those years,' he continued. 'In 1975, the Isthmian League had two divisions, now it has four divisions comprising of 88 clubs. 'We used to have elections to determine promotions, now it is all automatic, right from Step 6 up to Step 1. 'You win a league; you get a promotion. It does not depend on somebody liking you or not liking you. And I think that is the biggest achievement of all my 50 years. 'I am very proud of that. We have now got a perfect pyramid, and I am very proud that I have been a part of being able to put that in place.' The National Game Awards is a celebration of the non-league season - highlighting the community, fans, on-field, and off-field successes of the game outside of the English Football League. The ceremony is held each year by the Non-League Paper, the UK's number one selling football title and the best place for your non-league news, with this year's event held at Plough Lane - home of AFC Wimbledon And when asked whether he had any plans to step away from an active role within non-league football, Robinson was unequivocal in his response. 'No, no, no, absolutely not!' he said with a smile. 'I tried to see every club this year, and I think I failed by about three clubs, but I went to nearly 60 grounds. 'It is a commitment and sometimes you question it, but actually, I love it. 'You go along, you meet people, you shake hands with them, and you try and make a difference. 'It is all about talking to people and finding out what they want. It is not always achievable, but I will always try my best to help.'
