On Saturday the chasing-champions Brighton and Hove Albion took on Charlton Athletic at the Valley. However, it was not only the match of football which was planned.
The Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet (CARD), had been organising and coordinating a mass protesting event to take place on Saturday, against the infamous owner Roland Duchatelet. The intensifying of this protest, comes after Charlton are confirmed as relegated to League One next season.
Pre-game protests
The protests on Saturday against the management and board of Charlton Athletic began at 2PM, with a monumental and special march, which saw the Charlton and Brighton fans marching together to remove the second-most hated owner in English Football.
https://twitter.com/waynusrussell/status/723880616454946816
It is believed that around 5,000 fans, made up of Seagulls and Addicks took part in the march in South East London.
An estimated 5,000 people are protesting outside Charlton's ground today. #CAFC pic.twitter.com/ezUu5QtsKz
— The Away Fans (@theawayfans) April 23, 2016
Nothing but respect for Brighton today. @CharltonCARD touching sentiment from such a great club. #FansUnited pic.twitter.com/GGoH8vLSyy
— Pete (@cafc153) April 23, 2016
We want roland out pic.twitter.com/e7tTosZqH9
— London init geezer (@Miketyson2007) April 23, 2016
"We're BHAFC. We want Roland out," sing Albion fans during @CharltonCARD march. Mutual applause with #CAFC fans. pic.twitter.com/gqSWC3bCBq
— BBC Radio Sussex Sport (@BBCSussexSport) April 23, 2016
The protests against Duchatelet did not end there, as soon as The Valley filled up, with a relatively large home attendance compared to all season, along with a packed out away-end of Seagulls, chants of “We Want Roland Out” rang around the Valley from all four stands.
Can feel the upper North literally shaking as chants of "We want Roland out" echo around all four stands #cafc
— CAFC Live Updates (@CAFClive) April 23, 2016
The chants continued to echo around the stadium, along with all four stands at The Valley releasing balloons – just before kick-off – coloured black, white, blue and red, to show the Seagulls’ and Addicks’ intentions of ousting Duchatelet from English football.
WATCH: A flurry of balloons – from both sets of fans – greets the players ahead of kick-off. #BHAFC #CAFC pic.twitter.com/hNf31Jw6OL
— BBC Radio Sussex Sport (@BBCSussexSport) April 23, 2016
"We want Roland Out" is the chant as black & white balloons cascade onto the pitch #cafc @bbclondonsport pic.twitter.com/p6oVuFuBNa
— Louis Mendez (@LouisMend) April 23, 2016
Incredible scenes at the Valley. A sea of black and white balloons. #cafc #bhafc pic.twitter.com/gsk3PKmEE7
— Louis Sealey (@LouisSealey) April 23, 2016
Angry protest from Charlton fans & balloons everywhere. Brighton fans also joining in the chants🎈#cafc #bhafc pic.twitter.com/nlywQn7wqs
— Matt Seldon (@MSINSURANCE_) April 23, 2016
