Arsenal fans come together to demand change from Stan Kroenke

There’s a new hashtag trending involving Arsenal fans. Search Twitter for #WeCareDoYou and you will see an outpouring from a fan base that is sick and tired of watching the club they love falter.

In an unprecedented move, a two-page letter signed by more than a dozen Arsenal supporter groups and bloggers was sent to the team’s owner Stan Kroenke. The overall message is that the club is at a crossroads and is being treated as nothing more than an investment by its billionaire owner.

The letter begins:

#WeCareDoYou

As Arsenal fans we have watched with frustration as the team’s football performances have declined over the past decade. When Stan Kroenke began buying Arsenal shares the club had just competed in a first Champions League final. Twelve years on, Arsenal are about to play in the Europa League for the third year running.

Off the pitch, fans have never felt more marginalized, less listened to or valued. This was sadly illustrated when Stan Kroenke forcibly bought out the last remaining supporter- shareholders without even a word of appreciation for their custodianship role in the club. It feels as though Arsenal is at a crossroads. Things need to change.

What all of us as signatories to this statement want to see is meaningful action by Stan Kroenke to reinvigorate our football club.

This requires work to strengthen the club’s board and football executive and to once again make Arsenal a place where fans have a real sense of belonging.

Change needs to start with better leadership.

Here is the statement in full, as well as a listing of the supporter groups and bloggers leading the charge.

In addition, there is an online petition that Arsenal fans are being encouraged to add their names to.

Arsenal are in Denver today playing Kroenke’s MLS side Colorado Rapids. It’s the perfect opportunity for frustrated Gooners to let their voices be heard loud and clear. Or, alternately, not to.