“Support the team, not the regime” – Orient & Blackpool fans join forces for demo

Leyton Orient and Blackpool fans will hold a joint demonstration at this weekend’s fixture between the two clubs. Supporters want to make clear the deep disaffection with the way their clubs are being run.

Blackpool fans’ dismay with the Oystons is well documented, while Leyton Orient fans are increasingly unhappy with the direction of The O’s under Francesco Becchetti’s ownership.

FSF affiliates the Blackpool Supporters’ Trust (BST) and the Leyton Orient Fans’ Trust (LOFT) have teamed up to organise actions which have one clear message: “WE WANT OUR CLUBS BACK”.

Activities will take place pre-game, and during the match itself, starting with a march at 2pm outside the Birkbeck Tavern on Langthorne Road, Leyton. Fans will then head via Leyton Tube Station down Leyton High Road, finishing near the ground.

BST and LOFT are calling on fans to send a clear message during the game to their clubs’ respective owners that they “support the team, not the regime”.

Marking the fact that both clubs were formed in the 1800s, the trusts are calling on fans of both sides to make a barrage of noise, getting behind their sides in the 18th minute. LOFT have called on Orient fans to sing “Stand Up For The Orient” and asked Blackpool fans to sing their equivalent song.

“Subject to how the game is going, fans may or may not want to repeat this around the 80th minute (to mark that both clubs were formed in the 1880s), but the trusts are sure that both sets of fans will continue to ‘Stand Up for their Football Clubs’ now and in the future,” said LOFT.

• If you are an Orient or Blackpool fan who would like to find out more contact BST or LOFT for further information.