Dedicated Fan Scales Trees to Watch Football After Club Ban
Surbiton, England – A devoted football supporter, Richard Lambert, has resorted to climbing trees to continue watching his favorite team, Epsom & Ewell Football Club, after being inexplicably banned from the grounds. The unusual situation highlights a growing rift between the club and its fanbase, with mediation attempts proving unsuccessful.
the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has been actively trying to bridge the gap between Epsom & Ewell and Lambert, but their efforts have been ignored. “We quite often come in to act as the middleman to try and broker solutions between clubs and supporters where relationships have broken down,” explained Garreth Cummins of the FSA to BBC London. “Unfortunately, in this case, Epsom & Ewell have not engaged at all with that process, despite our repeated attempts and Richard’s repeated attempts.”
Cummins emphasized the vital role fans play, particularly at the non-league level. “we will always do what we can to help get the football supporter back in the ground, because, particularly at non-league level fans are the lifeblood of the game, and in a situation like this we don’t see that either side is winning. Richard is left on the outside looking in, and the club are missing a valuable and long-serving supporter.”
Epsom & Ewell operates as a members’ club governed by a committee. Current leadership includes Chairman Mel Tough and Vice Chairman Barry Gartell, both elected in August 2020. The reason for lambert’s ban remains undisclosed by the club.
Following the initial ban, Lambert initially watched matches from just outside the stadium perimeter. Though, in March, the club reportedly employed a security guard to prevent him from doing so, prompting him to seek an elevated vantage point. Last season, he watched the final games from a tree approximately 30 feet high, overlooking King George’s Field, which Epsom shared with Corinthian Casuals.
This season, Epsom & Ewell returned to Leg O’Mutton Field in Cobham, sharing the ground with Cobham FC. Lambert has as located a new, lower tree to continue his unique viewing experience, allowing him to observe the entire pitch with relative ease. The 2024-25 season is currently underway.
Understanding Non-League Football and Fan Culture: Non-league football, encompassing levels below the professional English Football League, relies heavily on dedicated local support. Clubs like Epsom & Ewell, often deeply rooted in their communities, depend on volunteers and passionate fans for their survival. The story of Richard Lambert underscores the importance of maintaining positive relationships between clubs and their supporters, as these connections are crucial for the health and vibrancy of the game at this level. Epsom & Ewell currently competes in the Combined Counties League Premier Division, a ninth-tier league in the English football pyramid.
Disclaimer: This article presents factual reporting on a developing situation.It does not offer legal or financial advice. Readers seeking such advice should consult qualified professionals.
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