Football supporters organisations waded into The Football League's dispute with Carlton Communications and Granada, this week, with fierce condemnation of both companies and a call for direct action from fans.

In a joint statement the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) and the National Federation of Football Supporters' Clubs (NFFSC) called on supporters to take action against the two companies, as well as issuing a six point plan to fans. In addition, Malcolm Clarke, chair of The FSA has also called for the immediate resignation of Granada chief executive Charles Allen, from his position as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Committee.

Clarke said: "Granada are behaving disgracefully in this matter by attempting to renege on their deal with The Football League. Charles Allen is a key figure in this dispute, and, by his actions, has shown himself to be a man who does not conduct business in an ethical manner.

"The actions of Granada and Carlton seriously threaten the survival of many football clubs, and would do great damage to our national game and the livelihoods of many people. We do not think that someone who tries to damage sport in this way is a fit and proper person to be heading up the Commonwealth Games Committee and that he should resign if Granada are not prepared to meet the obligations of the deal they entered into.

"All football fans are standing shoulder to shoulder with the clubs and The Football League on this vital matter."

The FSA and NFFSC six point action plan We would ask all supporters to:

• Write to the directors and non-executive directors of both Granada and Carlton expressing their views on the way this dispute is being conducted by the two companies.
• Canvass for the resignation of Charles Allen, Chief Executive of Granada, from his position as Chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games Committee. On the grounds that it is inappropriate for somebody who is prepared to oversee the possible destruction of a sports structure that has been in place for more than 100 years, to sit as Chairman of another sports committee.
• Write to the Rt. Hon. Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport, asking for his support for The Football League. To come out publicly and put pressure on the Government to intervene, as whole communities throughout the country will be affected if ITV Digital should break their contract with The Football League.
• Write to their individual MP expressing the same views as above.
• Rather than boycott any products advertised on ITV we would suggest supporters at their own discretion select a product/company who advertise on ITV, especially ITV Sport, and write to the companies concerned expressing their surprise at that company/product still advertising on ITV. Highlight the fact that part of ITV is currently trying to renegotiate an agreed contract with The Football League, with the threat of failing to meet their obligations if this cannot be achieved. This will put at risk the entire Football League structure of 72 clubs. Obviously this will impact on the supporters of all Football League clubs.
• Contact your nearest Premiership club and ask them to show public support for The Football League in this dispute.

If you want to let Carlton and Granada know how you feel why not ring or e-mail them?

Contact Carlton on 0870 600 6766 or dutyoffice@carlton.co.uk

Contact Granada on 0161 832 7211 or officers.duty@granadatv.co.uk

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