Press Release Article

Friday 19th December 2003: Unanimous Support

The recent events at Carlisle United warrant comment from its other major shareholder, the body of supporters through their Trust, CCUIST

Some 16 months ago a minor incident at a football match, during which no blows were aimed, no injuries sustained and no public disorder engendered led to two individuals being charged with public order offences and being sentenced in a magistrates’ court last Friday. Unlike many of the people making comment I was there and saw what happened, albeit from a distance. From what I saw of the incident it warranted no further action.

The incident happened at the end of a highly emotionally charged 90 minutes during which the home side, having missed an 85th minute penalty, lost 0-1 against a Carlisle side reduced to eight men by the final whistle. In my view some of the people involved in making subsequent complaints had been affected by that result. In my view if the same events had occurred and the result had gone the other way there would have been no consequences arising from the incident. Everyone rightly condemns violence at football. I do not see this as anything to do with violence at football. Those sentenced should seriously consider an appeal.

We are now being asked what the short-term and long-term implications are for the Club. Have those involved still got our support and confidence? Bet your life on it. The CCUIST Board has already passed on its unanimous support. The Board of the Football Club has issued a statement doing likewise. So what should the terrible repercussions of this momentous incident be? None. Forget it. It was a light breeze in an egg cup. The only lasting effect will be as a result of the tremendous pressure on the individuals and their families arising from the court case.

What can we, the supporters, do? People previously unconnected with our county have poured millions into our Club and ensured its continued existence. They looked after us. We’ll look after them. We’re the Cumbrians, that’s what we do. Last Saturday the signs were that the millions poured in were at last starting to pay off. We comprehensively defeated a side in a play-off position and the mere two goal margin of victory was not a fair reflection of our complete dominance on the pitch. The 3600 who attended saw a skilful, exciting and enjoyable game despite awful weather conditions. The first of many I would predict. Cumbrian pride was back on display. A couple of years ago a previous manager pulled us back from the brink of relegation starting with only 14 points in January. Now that the current manager has virtually got his team together he can do the same thing. He needs our support. So let’s give it to him, the players and everyone else at the Club at the next home game against Darlington on Dec.28th. Let’s show the world what a bit of good old-fashioned Cumbrian cussedness and defiance can achieve.

Alan Steel, Chairman, Carlisle and Cumbria United Independent Supporters Trust