Walsall fans took part in a noisy but peaceful protest against owner Jeff Bonser and Roy Whalley before, during and after the game v. Tranmere Rovers last Saturday at the Banks's Stadium but at all times got behind the team and cheered the lads on to a 2-1 win despite falling behind to a somewhat unfortunate own goal from Manny Smith on 27 minutes. Just eight minutes later however, the young centre back made amends by heading home a well taken goal before Darren Byfield scored the winner with a beauty, racing past a couple of defenders and cooly slotting home past the keeper for a worthy winner.
The protests were partly against owner Jeff Bonser for the rent he charges to the football club to use his land, but the main point of the fans dismay was aimed at Cheif Executive Roy Whalley, who has banned several fans from the ground for waving banners and even speaking out against the club.
Surely as long as fans demonstrate peacefully in a good humoured way what's the problem? Walsall FC have some loyal fans who spend hundreds of pounds each season watching their team home and away. To be denied the freedom of peaceful protest is futile. The comments given in the press lately have only merely served to fan the flames of resentment towards the club. If the club think those who have protested against the them so far are going to go away quietly , it seems they are very much mistaken. It hurts the fans to protest against the club they love but for some the time has come to speak out and protest. Shame it has come to this, but the fans have clearly had enough.
