BBC Sport journalist Phil McNulty shares protest opinion at Everton amid Goodison ‘discontent’
Everton fans have “the right to peaceful protest” considering how the club has been run in recent seasons, according to Phil McNulty.
It has been a difficult few years for supporters at Goodison Park. The Toffees have been involved in back-to-back relegation fights and look set for yet another one this season after their joint-worst start to a Premier League campaign, sitting on just one point after four matches.
Financial troubles and poor leadership have also stolen the headlines on numerous occasions in recent years, with the board coming under constant scrutiny for the decisions they have made. McNulty believes that those in the stands have the right to take action against the club, and are a big reason why they have remained in the league.
Answering a supporter called Alan’s question about protesting via BBC Sport (4 September, 3:31 pm), the platform’s chief football writer said “Everyone has the right to peaceful protest, Alan, and as far as I can see the protests of Everton fans have been very peaceful. I absolutely do think they have a right to protest.
“I actually think Everton fans have shown remarkable patience given the manner in which their club has been led in recent years.
The fans are the lifeblood of every club – clubs are nothing without them – and I think the manner in which Everton supporters have got behind the team at all times irrespective of the discontent around owner Farhad Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright and the board has actually helped keep them in the Premier League.”
Precisely
McNulty couldn’t have put it any better. Without the loyal fans who have been travelling to games week-in and week-out, the Toffees could be fighting to regain their spot in England’s top flight in the Championship at the moment. They really have been the heartbeat of the club during an incredibly difficult time on Merseyside.
Therefore, as a result of being the club’s heartbeat, they absolutely deserve to have their voices heard by those in higher-up positions. There is nothing wrong with protests, as long as they remain respectful and peaceful, and fans should not be ashamed to take part in them. After all, every supporter deserves to be listened to.
Everton cannot afford to continue fighting for survival and the size and stature of the club suggests they should have much higher aspirations than Premier League safety.
Hopefully, things turn around quickly and all parties can reach some form of compromise.
In other Everton news, a worrying stat has emerged after the club’s start to the season.