Headline: Wolverhampton Wanderers Decide Against Playing Controversial Song Before Matches
Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced that they will refrain from playing the controversial song “The Liquidator” before matches at Molineux this season.
Initially banned several years ago for its offensive chants targeting local rivals West Brom, the club recently reviewed whether to reinstate the song. This decision followed discussions with the Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes representatives from relevant agencies, stakeholders, and supporters.
In an update released by the Championship club on Thursday, they confirmed the decision not to reintroduce the song, stating: “Having considered the history of the song, the views expressed by supporters, and the club’s responsibilities around supporter behaviour, safety, and governance, Wolves has decided that The Liquidator will not be reintroduced into the pre-match entertainment schedule at Molineux.”
The club acknowledged the song’s significance to some fans and its long-standing association with the atmosphere at Molineux, but emphasized the changes in football and the regulatory environment over the past twenty years.
Wolves have faced sanctions from the Football Association regarding mass discriminatory chanting in recent seasons. With this in mind, the club deemed it inappropriate to bring back a song that historically incited widespread offensive chanting.
Wolves executive chairman Nathan Shi stated, “When I spoke to supporters in May, I said we would look at this issue again properly, and we have done that. We have considered the different views, reviewed the history and context, and consulted with the Safety Advisory Group. Having gone through that process, we believe this is the right decision for the club.”
He added, “I respect what The Liquidator means to many Wolves supporters and its place in the history of Molineux, but we also have a responsibility to make decisions based on where the club is today and the standards we expect around our matchday environment.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that they will not play a controversial song in the build-up to kick off for games at the Molineux this season.
The Liquidator song was originally banned several years ago due to its offensive chants aimed at bitter Black Country rivals West Brom and the club held a review to determine if it should be brought back.
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Discussion were held with the Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes representatives from relevant statutory agencies and key stakeholders, as well as supporters before coming to their decision.
An update issued by the Championship club on Thursday announced the decision to stop playing the song before matches in a statement which reads: “Having considered the history of the song, the views expressed by supporters and the club’s responsibilities around supporter behaviour, safety and governance, Wolves has decided that The Liquidator will not be reintroduced into the pre-match entertainment schedule at Molineux.
“The club recognises the significance of the song to sections of the Wolves support and its long association with the atmosphere at Molineux, however football, and the regulatory environment in which clubs operate, have changed considerably over the past two decades.
“In recent seasons, Wolves has been sanctioned by the Football Association in relation to mass discriminatory chanting, and against that backdrop, the club does not believe it would be appropriate to reintroduce a song which has historically prompted mass offensive chanting at Molineux.”
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Wolves executive chairman Nathan Shi added: “When I spoke to supporters in May, I said we would look at this issue again properly, and we have done that.
“We have considered the different views, reviewed the history and context, and consulted with the Safety Advisory Group. Having gone through that process, we believe this is the right decision for the club.
“I respect what The Liquidator means to many Wolves supporters and its place in the history of Molineux, but we also have a responsibility to make decisions based on where the club is today and the standards we expect around our matchday environment.”
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