Aston Villa’s 1897 Group, known for their vibrant fan displays, recently expressed their frustration after the club blocked their plans for a fan-funded display at Wembley Stadium. The group, inspired by Crystal Palace’s Holmesdale Fanatics, aimed to create an electrifying atmosphere for Villa fans during the FA Cup semi-final, but their efforts were thwarted at a senior level.
The 1897 Group released a statement on X, saying: “We were prepared and ready to design and carry out an amazing, powerful 100% Villa fan crowd-funded display for our end at Wembley for this match. We stated our intention to do this to the club immediately after our quarter-final victory against Preston. After spending a significant amount of time liaising positively with the club regarding logistics and security approval etc, unfortunately – much to our disappointment – the display idea was blocked at a senior level by the club last week, therefore leaving us nowhere near enough time to crowd-fund and order the relevant materials to obtain approval from Wembley security to carry it out regardless.”
The group’s statement highlighted their readiness to deliver a memorable display, but the club’s decision left them with insufficient time to gather the necessary resources. This led to the use of a recycled tifo from a previous Champions League match, which did not meet the expectations of many fans.
Despite the setback, the 1897 Group has been instrumental in enhancing matchday experiences at Villa Park, drawing inspiration from other fan groups to boost the atmosphere. Their efforts have included creating displays for Champions League matches and organizing scarf distributions for supporters.
Fans took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the display at Wembley. Some criticized the club’s decision, pointing out the lack of originality compared to previous efforts. The disappointment was palpable, with fans recalling past semi-finals where the club went above and beyond to create an inspiring environment for both players and supporters.
The 1897 Group’s commitment to improving the matchday experience remains unwavering. Earlier this season, they successfully raised over £750 in less than 24 hours for a banner tribute to Peter Whittingham during a match against Cardiff City. Excess donations were generously contributed to the Peter Whittingham Foundation, showcasing the group’s dedication to supporting the community.
As Aston Villa looks ahead, the 1897 Group’s passion and creativity will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in fostering a vibrant and supportive atmosphere for the club and its fans.
