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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ed Aarons

‘It becomes your life’: Holmesdale Fanatics take Palace’s fight to the authorities

Holmesdale Fanatics outside the HQ of the court of arbitration for sport
Holmesdale Fanatics went to the court of arbitration for sport in Lausanne as part of their campaign against Crystal Palace’s demotion to the Conference League. Photograph: Courtesy of Holmesdale Fanatics

When the Holmesdale Fanatics say they are planning something, it is usually worth paying attention. The receptionist at Uefa’s headquarters in Nyon looked bemused when presented with a suitcase full of fake bank notes last month by members of the Crystal Palace supporters’ group. They claimed it represented the “contradictions of their supposed ‘fundamental values’ of integrity and fairness and the reality of their business methods and general conduct”.

Uefa has said it followed the correct procedures after its club financial control body demoted Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League because they were deemed to have broken multi-club ownership rules. But for the HF, it was a call to arms.

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