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Post by Gas-Ed on Jul 27, 2021 15:09:32 GMT
Club President Wael Al Qadi has today penned an open letter to supporters...
Dear Gasheads,
I have been here with you now for nearly five and a half years. I hope that through that time you have seen and felt my passion for this club, my openness with supporters and my understanding of the emotions that you feel on a day-to-day basis.
We have a diverse fanbase, as was celebrated in our recent kit launch campaign and all supporters are welcome at The Mem to enjoy watching our club together.
However, the past four days have been tough for us all and I have seen first-hand that there is division within the fanbase which is not what we want heading into a new season.
Firstly, I think it is really important to confirm that as a club we stand firmly against any form of violence. Any individual that is found guilty of any such offences will be dismissed immediately. I understand the concerns expressed by a number of you. However, in line with the basic principles of British law, it is my view that you are innocent until proven guilty.
I have seen and understand the response to the statement that was released last night. Given that this is a legal matter, what we can and can’t say as a club is heavily restricted. That said, I think it is important that some context is given to the comment regarding victimless crimes as I know that has caused some distress. The phrase is a legal term referring to cases in which the victim is either unknown or has not made a complaint/engaged with the police enquiries. We in no way meant to belittle charges of domestic abuse.
I know that this may have been misinterpreted in the statement last night and I wholeheartedly apologise to anyone that was offended.
As has been well publicised we are partners with the team at HerGameToo and continue to play an active role in supporting that initiative. Furthermore, before we were aware of this issue we agreed last week to support a Domestic Violence campaign which we will continue to do heading into the new season. In addition, in 2018 we partnered with the Southmead Project who provide free counselling and support for survivors of abuse and addiction across Bristol and surrounding areas. All of these causes are at the heart of our football club and we will continue to do all we can to support those in need.
This period will have undoubtedly strained relationships, however, I hope that we can retain your trust and confidence as we look to continue to build the club and support our wider community.
I hope that you can all join me in getting behind the team this season, we need your support now more than ever.
UTG
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Post by Gas-Ed on Jul 27, 2021 15:11:17 GMT
Sounds to me like Joey Barton is on borrowed time. I can’t help but think that one of the two charges will stick.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2021 15:14:54 GMT
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Post by chigas on Jul 27, 2021 15:15:53 GMT
Sounds to me like Joey Barton is on borrowed time. I can’t help but think that one of the two charges will stick. my thoughts exactly |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2021 15:16:53 GMT
This Joey Barton appointment is going really well.
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Post by TAGas on Jul 27, 2021 15:18:03 GMT
Glad he has written that open letter i think a lot of fans will hopefully feel better after doing so.
As for Mr Barton, didn't sound good if it doesn't go his way.
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Post by Rod1883 on Jul 27, 2021 15:18:26 GMT
As I said on the other thread I don't think it goes far enough in that it only refers to the (completely unnecessary to include, imho) victimless part of the statement as something that has been misinterpreted by us the great unwashed, rather than a mistake on their part. We have to break with Barton - guilty or not in this case, trouble and bad press follow him around |
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Post by wertongas on Jul 27, 2021 15:20:41 GMT
Well it looks like my message to the club may have helped provoke a response, although people may not agree with what i did, it some times you have to do these things to find out how some one/ club position is on a matter.
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Post by bluestone on Jul 27, 2021 15:25:22 GMT
Appreciate the clarification statement from Wael (although shame it's taken until 4pm to get it out) but I still firmly believe he should at the very least be suspending JB pending the outcome of the trial.
His presence on the touchline and in the media from now until December is only going to fuel the fire and be an unnecessary distraction from the business on the pitch.
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Post by falsenumber9 on Jul 27, 2021 15:25:49 GMT
"Furthermore, before we were aware of this issue we agreed last week to support a Domestic Violence campaign"
They didn't know about the issue prior to last week?
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Post by bluestone on Jul 27, 2021 15:27:32 GMT
Well it looks like my message to the club may have helped provoke a response, although people may not agree with what i did, it some times you have to do these things to find out how some one/ club position is on a matter. Well done for taking it up with them, I can imagine there must have been a few others who did too |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2021 15:28:33 GMT
As I said on the other thread I don't think it goes far enough in that it only refers to the (completely unnecessary to include, imho) victimless part of the statement as something that has been misinterpreted by us the great unwashed, rather than a mistake on their part. We have to break with Barton - guilty or not in this case, trouble and bad press follow him around Wael has provided an explanation and apology. For me, whether we break with Barton or not depends if he is innocent or guilty. You cannot just sack someone based on an allegation. |
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Post by gashead1981 on Jul 27, 2021 15:29:33 GMT
I feel sorry for Wael, hes been made to look a mug and a fool by Barton and whilst he may not be able to say much more, I feel he could actually do more.
Whilst innocent until proven guilty, the details from the alleged assult would be far to much for me to stand by as an employer and I would suspend him.
Yes the club is supporting important initiatives against DV and equality etc, that is to be praised and is without question very important. But this makes a total mockery of it and takes a rather hypocritical stance. As I said yesterday, its easy to say you support something, but stepping aside when it becomes inconvenient is another. If they were truly at the heart of the values of this club, we would be doing more.
This is very similar to the racism debate in that, we may not be racists ourselves and the club may hold an anti racism stance, but what if we heard someone being racist, either directly or by connotation or humour? Or what if there was racism on the field? Would we stand by or silently side step out of the awkward situation or would we actively do something about it.
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Post by gashead1981 on Jul 27, 2021 15:30:46 GMT
"Furthermore, before we were aware of this issue we agreed last week to support a Domestic Violence campaign" They didn't know about the issue prior to last week? It seems to be the case. |
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Post by gasandelectricity on Jul 27, 2021 15:31:47 GMT
JB on borrowed time then. If I was him I’d be pooing myself!
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Post by BishopstonBRFC on Jul 27, 2021 15:32:41 GMT
"Furthermore, before we were aware of this issue we agreed last week to support a Domestic Violence campaign" They didn't know about the issue prior to last week? Well if Joey himself hadn't told them how would they? The police aren't going to contact BRFC to let them know so unless they're trawling through upcoming court cases just incase Joey has been up to no good then I guess they found out when we did. |
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Post by bs16gashead on Jul 27, 2021 15:34:37 GMT
I feel sorry for Wael, hes been made to look a mug and a fool by Barton and whilst he may not be able to say much more, I feel he could actually do more. Whilst innocent until proven guilty, the details from the alleged assult would be far to much for me to stand by as an employer and I would suspend him. Yes the club is supporting important initiatives against DV and equality etc, that is to be praised and is without question very important. But this makes a total mockery of it and takes a rather hypocritical stance. As I said yesterday, its easy to say you support something, but stepping aside when it becomes inconvenient is another. If they were truly at the heart of the values of this club, we would be doing more. This is very similar to the racism debate in that, we may not be racists ourselves and the club may hold an anti racism stance, but what if we heard someone being racist, either directly or by connotation or humour? Or what if there was racism on the field? Would we stand by or silently side step out of the awkward situation or would we actively do something about it. Agree, well put. |
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Post by axegas on Jul 27, 2021 15:35:26 GMT
"Furthermore, before we were aware of this issue we agreed last week to support a Domestic Violence campaign" They didn't know about the issue prior to last week? Well if Joey himself hadn't told them how would they? The police aren't going to contact BRFC to let them know so unless they're trawling through upcoming court cases just incase Joey has been up to no good then I guess they found out when we did. Find it a bit alarming that Barton went all through pre season, all through his other trial, without telling anyone at the club that he was arrested for assault once more. If I was Rovers I’d be massively disappointed in him for that. |
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Post by Gas-Ed on Jul 27, 2021 15:35:55 GMT
"Furthermore, before we were aware of this issue we agreed last week to support a Domestic Violence campaign" They didn't know about the issue prior to last week? I bet the club are absolutely fuming that they weren’t told about this previously. |
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Post by yetigas on Jul 27, 2021 15:36:39 GMT
Thank you Wael, it is a good letter. I do however tend to agree with those who say that JB should be suspended pending the outcome of the trial - same as I understand Ryan Giggs has been for Wales. This would not suggest that the club believe he is guilty (innocent until proved guilty etc etc) but would be appropriate action acknowledging the seriousness of the issue and would send out the right message to back up the strong words in the letter. Personally it will not stop me attending matches as the club is far bigger than the manager BUT JB's presence could cause a toxic atmosphere and frankly we could do without those diversions as winning matches is difficult enough at the best of times.
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