
Another busy week for THST, dominated by The FA statement on the Y word, released on Monday 9th September. Reflecting Spurs fans view point on this sensitive and complex matter is a responsibility THST take incredibly seriously and we will do our utmost to ensure the opinions of Tottenham Hotspur supporters are carefully considered at every stage moving forward.
THST prepared and issued a response to The FA statement around the use of the term ‘Yid’ in a football environment on Wednesday, 11th September.
THST also liaised closely with THFC to ensure the Club and the fans were aligned in their respective positions on this subject
Our full response can be read here:
http://www.thstofficial.com/thst-updates/thst-response-to-the-fa-statement-on-the-use-of-the-y-word-in-football.aspx
THST welcomes all comments and opinions from supporters on what is, undoubtedly, a complex and emotive issue.
Meeting with THFC Executive Director:
THST met with Donna Cullen, Executive Director of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, on 11th September. Whilst THST believes
in transparency, there are occasions when it simply is not possible to provide in depth information owing to sensitivity around certain subjects. For this reason, minutes won’t be published from this meeting. The main take out was that THFC are keen to engage in meaningful dialogue with fan groups around key issues moving forward, including the new stadium and the Y word.
Ticketing:
THST is in discussions with THFC regarding the pricing for the remaining UEFA Europa League Group Stage games at White Hart Lane this season. THST would like to see the games against Sheriff and Anzhi priced as per the Panathinaikos and
Maribor matches last season.
THST has used all available channels to ensure One Hotspur Bronze and Lilywhite Members with a seat for Norwich City on 14th September are aware of the need for a paper ticket for this game. No member stadium access cards will work for this match.
The same will stand for the Tromso game on 19th September. No member stadium access cards will work and
paper tickets will be issued to those who have bought a seat for the match.
Chelsea and West Ham will also be affected, with all member access cards being re-issued by 22nd October.
NB: Season Ticket access cards are unaffected. Platinum, Gold and Silver cards continue to work, as normal.
StubHub:
THST is still awaiting the back end data from the Swansea game and understand THFC is also waiting for StubHub to provide these details. THST has been assured this information will be forthcoming shortly.
Once the data has been reviewed in terms of sales volumes, high, low & average prices, THST will revisit the statement issued in June on the THFC/ StubHub commercial partnership.
Atmosphere/Visuals:
THST hosted a meeting with other fan groups, THFC and The Football Supporters Federation around the ‘atmosphere’ at White Hart Lane on 10th September. The discussion was positive and encouraging. More details will follow in due course.
Away Fans Experience:
THFC has confirmed subsidised coach travel will be offered for 14 Premier League Away Games this season, starting with Cardiff on 22nd September.
THST will continue to push for additional pick up and drop off points and for further help to be offered to fans based outside of North London, who are highly unlikely to benefit from subsidised coach travel as it currently stands.
THST has also requested that official Supporters Clubs aren’t forgotten, as they often arrange their own coach travel to away matches.
The Premier League grant was ringfenced to benefit all those travelling to away games, not a small percentage. THST will continue to lobby THFC to ensure this is the case throughout the season.
Credit Unions:
THST met with Supporters Direct to discuss the possibility of working with a credit union to fund season ticket purchases. Further research will be undertaken over the coming weeks in this area.
Fan Safety Abroad:
THST received the Agenda for the Home Office- chaired International Football Co-ordination Group workshop around fan safety at overseas matches, scheduled for 25th September. THST is very keen to have representation at this session, considering the experiences of Lyon and Rome last season.
Real Madrid Partnership:
E-Spurs presented the e-petition calling for an end to the partnership with Real Madrid to THST over the weekend.
THST forwarded the petition onto Jonathan Waite, Customer Services and Supporter Liaison Manager, at THFC on 12th September.
Whilst THST has a duty to ensure fans voices are heard by THFC, in this instance, THST acted as a conduit only and the forwarding of the petition was not an endorsement or expression of support.
THST has, however, requested that THFC outline the specifics of the partnership once they are in a position to do so.
Press & Media:
ITN: Interview request re: Kyle Walker. Refused as THST has a policy of not commenting on specific players.
Haringey Independent: Request for comment re: Y Word
CNN: Request for comment re: Y Word
Evening Standard: Article re: Y Word
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-supporters-will-fight-fa-ban-on-chanting-yword-8811685.html
Telegraph Sport: Article re: Y Word
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/10304241/Tottenham-fans-seek-legal-advice-over-right-to-use-Y-word-following-Football-Association-warning.html
MailOnline: Article re: Y Word
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2418468/Tottenham-Hotspur-fans-seek-legal-advice-right-use-Y-word-FA-warning.html
BT Sport: Life’s a Pitch TV interview scheduled for Monday 16th September re: Y Word
BBC Radio: Phone interview re: Y Word x 2
LBC Radio: Phone interview scheduled for post Norwich City match re: Y word
ITN Channel 4 News request for interview re: Y Word Statement
Associated Press: Interview re: Y word
http://sport.bt.com/sportfootball/football/tottenham-to-consult-fans-over-chanting-S11363833628450#.UjXjHrb4MA8.twitter
The Guardian: Article re Y word
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/15/tottenham-yid-army-chants
ITV News: Article re Y word
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2013-09-15/spurs-to-consult-supporters-over-chants-of-yids-yid-army-and-yiddos-at-white-hart-lane/
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