Crystal Palace’s famous Holmesdale Fanatics ultras split up and release statement blasting ‘unsustainable’ set up

CRYSTAL PALACE’S faction of ultras have decided to call it a day following a statement in which they say there needs to be a “drastic shift” towards younger fans. The Holmesdale Fanatics have folded their organisation after more than 20 years of bringing an atmosphere to Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace’s group of ultras the Holmesdale Fanatics have called time on their organisation Credit: Getty They called it an unsustainable setup for young fans Credit: Getty The group released a statement giving their reasons for disbanding. They discussed the treatment of young fans at Palace, saying: “Increasingly driven out by the sky high ticket prices, needless restrictions that are designed to strip away the dignity of supporters and relentless harassment and legal action, many young people are choosing to opt out of a game which seems determined to push them away.” Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! They also said: “From fighting for the most basic of rights just to take materials into Selhurst and stand up in Block B in the early days, to never ending problems with the club right up to the present day, we have been uncompromising in fighting for what we believe in and the rights of football supporters everywhere. “But the current setup is unsustainable. We have repeatedly warned the club that likeminded fans cannot congregate at Palace in the numbers required to sustain a growing active supporter culture. “The conditions are simply not there. While we have seen some of the best atmospheres at Selhurst since the group’s formation during our time in block E, it has been a mixed picture in the stands as expectation has grown after more than a decade playing at the highest level. “There needs to be a drastic shift at Palace towards younger fans and a move away from a culture in which people attend the ground expecting to be entertained, towards a culture of supporters turning up to play an active role in influencing the result.” It’s a sad end of an era for the group, who have brought the atmosphere to Selhurst Park for years. They reassured fans that they will continue attending games, but as a “group of mates” as opposed to an active ultras movement. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The move comes after the club asked for new pre-match song suggestions – despite having one of the most recognisable tunes around. The Eagles come out to games at Selhurst Park to iconic banger Glad All Over by Dave Clark Five – but now Palace are looking to mix things up. A statement from the club is seeking input to try and raise the atmosphere levels in South London yet again. It says: “Supporters will have noticed a numbers of songs have been played in the final moments before kick-off across the last couple of seasons, including Can’t Help Falling in Love and Insomnia. “And now, we’re looking for our fans to suggest – and then select – one song to become a tradition moving forward, similar to stadiums up and down the country, to complement the famous Selhurst Park atmosphere.” And fans online are confused by the call to arms with a 60-year tradition now in doubt. Glad All Over has been played over the stadium speakers since 1964 after it became a huge hit. Now heard ringing around the terraces for away fixtures and even when not blaring out over the PA system, it is a matchday staple. So many can’t get their heads around the need for more change. One replied on social media simply: “Ummmm Glad All Over?..” Another wrote: “I reckon we should go for Glad All Over, by a 1960’s band known as the Dave Clark Five, a bit off the wall I know….” A third added: “What’s going on here? We already have an anthem, a famous one we’ve used for decades!”. And a different user chimed in: “Sack whoever was running things last season, just play Glad All Over and next time you have any other ideas keep them.” Comment now