93 black balloons
26 November 2002: Friends of Bootham Crescent released 93 black balloons to demonstrate our opposition to the plans to build 93 homes on our ground. The balloons were released from the pitch after a half-time statement by spokesperson David Allison, with the first of the balloons released by ex-City player Chris Topping. The statement appears below in full.
Half-time statement from the Friends of Bootham Crescent
Good evening. We are the Friends of Bootham Crescent. As you might have been aware, we were originally planning to hold a demonstration after tonight's game to voice our opposition to the Persimmon Homes planning application to build 93 houses on this ground, backed by Bootham Crescent Holdings.
We were informed by the club that a demonstration after the match might incur further costs in the way of extra policing - and that's obviously the last thing the club needs right now. We're delighted that we have been allowed to make our protest right here on the hallowed turf of the very ground that is threatened with development.
Before we start, we would like to welcome the Swansea fans who've made the long trip to be here tonight. We know you've have recently had your own problems with Petty and wish to congratulate your supporter's trust on the marvellous work they have done on behalf of the supporters. We hope you know how we're feeling right now! It would appear that the FA no longer care about the Swanseas, Brightons, Carlisles, Yorks or AFC Wimbledons, but we the fans do and if we stick together we can win! We welcome you to OUR ground Bootham Crescent.
In a few moments, we are going to release 93 black balloons into the air - one for each of the houses Persimmon Homes are planning to build on the very ground we're standing on. To help us do so, we'd like to welcome some very special guests onto the pitch - part of that fantastic 70s side that played in the same division as Manchester United - please