Friends of Fulham

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Friendsoffulham on July 08, 2026, 09:42:15 PM

Title: We don't quite understand why
Post by: Friendsoffulham on July 08, 2026, 09:42:15 PM
That when we've asked nicely for members NOT to incite political debate on this forum, they still do.

It's not as if we haven't put out posts about this before, or asked nicely in some threads, or even made it crystal clear within the forum rules, that these just get blatantly ignored.

Since the beginning, this forum has always maintained a zero tolerance towards politics and general nastiness towards other members, but we are finding a sharp rise in this lately, and it's simply not on.

Whilst we agree that some political debates do cross over when it comes to football, and we do try to be as lenient as possible when this happens, using derogatory words is something that won't ever be tolerated.

This isn't us trying to flex our Moderator muscles, or trying to quash any type of free speech on this forum, but more so us trying to keep a safe, enjoyable place for Fulham fans to congregate and discuss football. 

If fans really want to discuss politics, then fine, we'll consider opening up a sperate sub forum for this, and they can fill their boots, but it won't be moderated, and we won't be held liable for any bad behaviour.

Can we please just ask one last time, that we all take a moment to think before we post, and the time and effort it takes to moderate everything when threads get out of hand.

Many thanks.

::scarf::

Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: HV71 on July 08, 2026, 10:30:49 PM
Totally understand the difficult nature of your position- it is almost an impossible one. The telling line for me is

"Whilst we agree that some political debates do cross over when it comes to football, and we do try to be as lenient as possible when this happens, using derogatory words is something that won't ever be tolerated."

When politics does interfere in football- which has most certainly happened in recent weeks then , as I think you acknowledge , it is reasonable for our community to be allowed to comment.

However we , as members of that community ,have to show restraint and especially manners in the way we respond.


Both the mods and posters have to make judgements on what is acceptable and what is not. That is difficult for everyone .

Hopefully people will respond in a positive manner to your latest plea.

Keep up the good work
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: Snibbo on July 09, 2026, 12:16:48 AM
Depends what you define as 'political'. For instance a long discussion in which a poster described another as "a woke git" did not get removed. Yet my NFR post about Mbappe's classy response to a racist was removed. Political? Or just human?
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: Nick Bateman on July 09, 2026, 02:29:30 AM
I absolutely loathe politics mixing with sport but sometimes I comment on it and receive a ban. For example the recent intervention by the President is covered worldwide. If I talk about it do I get another ban?? I also 100% support what FriendsofFulham are trying to control, it ain't easy.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: Nick Bateman on July 09, 2026, 02:32:48 AM
One secondary thought; what is your FEAR about this subject??
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: love4ffc on July 09, 2026, 04:33:04 AM
The mod team does not fear political discussion; however, we are concerned about the hostility it often creates. All too often, individuals become more morally flexible in political contexts, allowing them to tolerate or even engage in behaviors they would otherwise condemn. It is for that reason that this forum does not allow political debates.

Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: HV71 on July 09, 2026, 05:49:38 AM
Quote from: Snibbo on July 09, 2026, 12:16:48 AMDepends what you define as 'political'. For instance a long discussion in which a poster described another as "a woke git" did not get removed. Yet my NFR post about Mbappe's classy response to a racist was removed. Political? Or just human?

This is a classic example of a judgement call that appears to have been made in good faith by the mods but , with respect , was a poor " VAR" decision. Bad manners and being abusive goes unpunished but a humane response was.
As I said previously - it is very difficult for both mods and posters when trying to decide when and where to draw the line.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: HobGoblin on July 09, 2026, 06:58:02 AM
Quote from: HV71 on July 09, 2026, 05:49:38 AM
Quote from: Snibbo on July 09, 2026, 12:16:48 AMDepends what you define as 'political'. For instance a long discussion in which a poster described another as "a woke git" did not get removed. Yet my NFR post about Mbappe's classy response to a racist was removed. Political? Or just human?

This is a classic example of a judgement call that appears to have been made in good faith by the mods but , with respect , was a poor " VAR" decision. Bad manners and being abusive goes unpunished but a humane response was.
As I said previously - it is very difficult for both mods and posters when trying to decide when and where to draw the line.

Would have been better to lock the post instead of delete it. I read it and there was nothing political about it.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: Andrew on July 09, 2026, 07:42:31 AM
I agree with the OP but in my case I have struggled with Trump's intervention and how to play it when responding to that.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: RaySmith on July 09, 2026, 08:04:21 AM
I don't think the mods have much option but to ban all political discussion on here, though, as stated , so many topics in football today infringe on the political - eg club ownership - usually some  foreign millionaire these days, possibly Saudi or similar, influence of Sky, etc, on money in the game and  players' wages, transfer fees and thus ticket pricing, and of course, the last WC - where it was held, and this one, with the current controversy, and also where it is being held.

But as I said, I agree with 'politics' being banned, though what is political can be nuanced, and the mods try to respond to this re threads, but it is a very tough job, and someone is always going to protest.

I myself have wandered into making the political arena without realising it at the time. EG on the thread about the BBC drama about Southgate as England manager, This England: in my post I referred to the black England players responding to racist comments after a semi-final defeat, and  how Southgate had been called'woke' by some . I've also commented on  money in football, which is broadly political.

I used, years ago, to post on a BBC radio 4 message board, and  politics were banned, but people  tried to argue about politics at every opportunity. And this is how this board would be if politics was allowed,  the board would just turn into a slanging match between different  factions.

So the mods have an impossible job, but I think they don't have much choice but to ban politics on here, though they try to use their discretion.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: DadCreature on July 09, 2026, 08:48:51 PM
Whatever your politics, you come here because you love this club.  It's a bit of a haven from the rest of the crap out there.  Agree that we should self-moderate and accept the occasionally imperfect work of the mods to keep this space as our little haven to love FFC.  And hate Chelsea.  Really important to do both.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: H4usuallysitting on July 09, 2026, 11:34:56 PM
When you've got political leaders actively getting involved with football & badmouthing the referee while not understanding the first thing about football....is the reason I'm posting less & less.... I'm considering to stop posting on this forum.... I don't have or use any social media I'm not even on whatapp...
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: St Eve on July 09, 2026, 11:38:21 PM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 09, 2026, 11:34:56 PMWhen you've got political leaders actively getting involved with football & badmouthing the referee while not understanding the first thing about football....is the reason I'm posting less & less.... I'm considering to stop posting on this forum.... I don't have or use any social media I'm not even on whatapp...
Don't do that. I enjoy your posts
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: Friendsoffulham on July 10, 2026, 12:00:17 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 09, 2026, 11:34:56 PMWhen you've got political leaders actively getting involved with football & badmouthing the referee while not understanding the first thing about football....is the reason I'm posting less & less.... I'm considering to stop posting on this forum.... I don't have or use any social media I'm not even on whatapp...

That still doesn't mean you have to go against the rules, engage in, or incite political debate on a football forum, which you have done on numerous occasions H4usuallysitting, picking up bans.

You are free to post on this forum as much as you like, but political leaders don't give you the permission to break these rules which are set out in our guidelines. 
 
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: HV71 on July 10, 2026, 12:15:05 AM
I thought this thread had been very positive and inclusive until the last post . Why slap someone when it was all going reasonably well ?
Maybe it's time to move on
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: BarryP on July 10, 2026, 12:33:45 AM
This isn't difficult to understand, we are all guests on this wonderful forum and the rules apply equally to us all. It doesn't matter how many posts you've made, how well liked you are by other posters, or what your political inclinations are. We agreed to the rules when we joined the forum and they are easy to find when we need to refresh our memory. There have been a lot of times I've wanted to reply to posts but I made the choice to put my phone down and move on.

Mods, thank you for allowing me to be a guest on this forum!
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on July 10, 2026, 07:08:20 AM
The is the best football forum I have come across, stick to football please or other sports if you wish.
I try and keep my political opinions to myself, although lately sometimes it has been difficult to ignore regarding one or two agitators on here but I have done.
I do not go on any social media sites or X or Facebook etc for those reasons.
If you have happened to pick up a ban then you
have deserved it.
I do not recall if I have in the past made a remark that unwittingly has put someone's nose out of joint, if I have then I apologise.
I can reassure you that even my wife boos me when I wake up every morning.
But I try to keep many of my posts light hearted to dilute the political stench that has tended at times to infest this forum in recent times.
If you have nothing better to do than make a political remark then go on a forum
strictly for politics and make your point there, I am sure you will find plentiful of irrational opponents who would like nothing better than to tear your tongue out.
The mods are tolerant and understanding, please do not take their good nature as a weakness.
Because if common sense does not prevail, there will be no winners, only losers.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: H4usuallysitting on July 10, 2026, 08:16:39 AM
Quote from: Friendsoffulham on July 10, 2026, 12:00:17 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 09, 2026, 11:34:56 PMWhen you've got political leaders actively getting involved with football & badmouthing the referee while not understanding the first thing about football....is the reason I'm posting less & less.... I'm considering to stop posting on this forum.... I don't have or use any social media I'm not even on whatapp...

That still doesn't mean you have to go against the rules, engage in, or incite political debate on a football forum, which you have done on numerous occasions H4usuallysitting, picking up bans.

You are free to post on this forum as much as you like, but political leaders don't give you the permission to break these rules which are set out in our guidelines. 
 

I've had one ban talking about a footballer making a political comment...so what you're saying is....I can't comment on the head of FIFA, I can't comment on the President of the United States, I can't comment on a player or ex player making a political comment....  I'm off
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: demeant0r on July 10, 2026, 08:31:58 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 10, 2026, 08:16:39 AM
Quote from: Friendsoffulham on July 10, 2026, 12:00:17 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 09, 2026, 11:34:56 PMWhen you've got political leaders actively getting involved with football & badmouthing the referee while not understanding the first thing about football....is the reason I'm posting less & less.... I'm considering to stop posting on this forum.... I don't have or use any social media I'm not even on whatapp...

That still doesn't mean you have to go against the rules, engage in, or incite political debate on a football forum, which you have done on numerous occasions H4usuallysitting, picking up bans.

You are free to post on this forum as much as you like, but political leaders don't give you the permission to break these rules which are set out in our guidelines. 
 

I've had one ban talking about a footballer making a political comment...so what you're saying is....I can't comment on the head of FIFA, I can't comment on the President of the United States, I can't comment on a player or ex player making a political comment....  I'm off

You got banned for explicitly inciting political debate (and it was only ever going to be a contentious one) and the debate had nothing to do with football except for the fact the one who expressed the opinion is an ex-footballer.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: H4usuallysitting on July 10, 2026, 09:42:42 AM
Quote from: demeant0r on July 10, 2026, 08:31:58 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 10, 2026, 08:16:39 AM
Quote from: Friendsoffulham on July 10, 2026, 12:00:17 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 09, 2026, 11:34:56 PMWhen you've got political leaders actively getting involved with football & badmouthing the referee while not understanding the first thing about football....is the reason I'm posting less & less.... I'm considering to stop posting on this forum.... I don't have or use any social media I'm not even on whatapp...

That still doesn't mean you have to go against the rules, engage in, or incite political debate on a football forum, which you have done on numerous occasions H4usuallysitting, picking up bans.

You are free to post on this forum as much as you like, but political leaders don't give you the permission to break these rules which are set out in our guidelines. 
 

I've had one ban talking about a footballer making a political comment...so what you're saying is....I can't comment on the head of FIFA, I can't comment on the President of the United States, I can't comment on a player or ex player making a political comment....  I'm off

You got banned for explicitly inciting political debate (and it was only ever going to be a contentious one) and the debate had nothing to do with football except for the fact the one who expressed the opinion is an ex-footballer.

That's what I just said...one ban...not bans

Strange you're not mentioning my other comments (FIFA, President USA other players)....

Some on here obviously don't want me to be on here....

So, I'll thank you all for letting me be on here....

I think it's best for all if I don't post again.... I'm off...I've got fish to catch & the tide won't wait for me.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: demeant0r on July 10, 2026, 10:18:53 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 10, 2026, 09:42:42 AM
Quote from: demeant0r on July 10, 2026, 08:31:58 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 10, 2026, 08:16:39 AM
Quote from: Friendsoffulham on July 10, 2026, 12:00:17 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 09, 2026, 11:34:56 PMWhen you've got political leaders actively getting involved with football & badmouthing the referee while not understanding the first thing about football....is the reason I'm posting less & less.... I'm considering to stop posting on this forum.... I don't have or use any social media I'm not even on whatapp...

That still doesn't mean you have to go against the rules, engage in, or incite political debate on a football forum, which you have done on numerous occasions H4usuallysitting, picking up bans.

You are free to post on this forum as much as you like, but political leaders don't give you the permission to break these rules which are set out in our guidelines. 
 

I've had one ban talking about a footballer making a political comment...so what you're saying is....I can't comment on the head of FIFA, I can't comment on the President of the United States, I can't comment on a player or ex player making a political comment....  I'm off

You got banned for explicitly inciting political debate (and it was only ever going to be a contentious one) and the debate had nothing to do with football except for the fact the one who expressed the opinion is an ex-footballer.

That's what I just said...one ban...not bans

Strange you're not mentioning my other comments (FIFA, President USA other players)....

Some on here obviously don't want me to be on here....

So, I'll thank you all for letting me be on here....

I think it's best for all if I don't post again.... I'm off...I've got fish to catch & the tide won't wait for me.

Your other comments were at least football-related. Your John Terry post had nothing to do with football. Stop acting like we're all out to get you.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: jarv on July 10, 2026, 10:25:49 AM
I really like comments by H4.  He is one of the more amusing posters so request to mods, please moderate your responses to one of the better and long time poster.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: keithh on July 10, 2026, 12:07:35 PM
There has to be moderators, so many thanks for doing the job. Personally, I mentally then physically turn off some of the contentious stuff or ego diatribes.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: john dempsey on July 10, 2026, 12:15:59 PM
Well everyone seems to have accepted and adhered to
the shouty words being banned. just a minority on here
cannot accept a different viewpoint, and resort to
name calling in a temper tantrum. It's like pulling a pin
out of a Grenade.
 
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: The Old Count on July 10, 2026, 12:34:32 PM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 10, 2026, 08:16:39 AM
Quote from: Friendsoffulham on July 10, 2026, 12:00:17 AM
Quote from: H4usuallysitting on July 09, 2026, 11:34:56 PMWhen you've got political leaders actively getting involved with football & badmouthing the referee while not understanding the first thing about football....is the reason I'm posting less & less.... I'm considering to stop posting on this forum.... I don't have or use any social media I'm not even on whatapp...

That still doesn't mean you have to go against the rules, engage in, or incite political debate on a football forum, which you have done on numerous occasions H4usuallysitting, picking up bans.

You are free to post on this forum as much as you like, but political leaders don't give you the permission to break these rules which are set out in our guidelines. 
 

I've had one ban talking about a footballer making a political comment...so what you're saying is....I can't comment on the head of FIFA, I can't comment on the President of the United States, I can't comment on a player or ex player making a political comment....  I'm off
Don't go H4. We'll miss you and your wry humour.
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: St Eve on July 10, 2026, 02:07:33 PM
Please reconsider H4. I find your posts amusing and enjoyable. Keep away from the political stuff as nobody gains. It's frustrating I know, but do what I do and just ignore it.
At the end of the day we are all Fulham fans and that's the most important thing
Title: Re: We don't quite understand why
Post by: alfie on July 10, 2026, 02:28:39 PM
There is no one else ready or able to warm up, a lot of us have enough trouble getting up let alone warming up.