Sean Leads Protest to Houses of Parliament

Last Update: 14 June 2007

Watch Sean's interview on Youtube - Campaign for Fairness

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Images from "Ian from Blighty" (thanks Ian)

 

 

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Fight to the bitter end

Source: Yorkshire Post

14 June 2007

By Ian Appleyard

Actor Sean Bean led Sheffield United's fans to Westminster yesterday

as their quest to stay in the Premiership continued.

Ian Appleyard travelled with them.

THE Japanese tourists flashed their cameras as those in red and white

shirts headed towards the Houses of Parliament

 

There were looks of sheer bewilderment on their faces as they listened

to a chorus of the 'Greasy Chip Butty Song' from the banks of the Thames.

 

What on earth was going on? they must have been asking.

 

But it is not every day that an army of football fans descend on Westminster

to protest over a sense of injustice.

 

It happened yesterday because Sheffield United needed help from MPs in

their quest to stay in the Premier League.

 

With Hollywood actor Sean Bean leading the delegation, the protest had

captured the imagination of the national media.

 

Photographers took a series of snaps against a backdrop of the London Eye.

Those who should normally have been at work or, in some cases, taking

GCSE exams were having radio microphones thrust into their faces. Taxi

drivers pipped horns and shouted approval. Occasionally, an irate West

Ham fan would shout obscenities out of a passing van window.

 

Bean, a lifelong Blades fan and club director, hardly spoke a word outside

the corridors of power. Once inside, however, he delivered a speech that

received a standing ovation and apparently raised the hairs on the necks

of those in attendance.

 

Journalists were not allowed to hear the exchanges between fans, club officials

and politicians, but were invited to join the supporters who embarked on

their crusade at the crack of dawn.

 

Those living adjacent to Bramall Lane were woken by chants of "We are

Premier League" instead of the alarm clock shortly before 5am. Two coaches,

packed with supporters of all ages, snaked down the M1 for nearly five hours

before arriving in the shadow of Big Ben. They had called off at Toddington

services and sat in silence as chairman Kevin McCabe spoke on Radio Four.

 

On his arrival in the capital, Captain Blade, the club's mascot, pulled on his

foam head and fastened his cutlesses to his hips. Unfortunately, the

Captain was prevented from entering the House.

 

After removing scarves, hiding their shirts, and disposing of the red, white, and

black balloons, the fans passed through security and headed inside.

 

Martin Brock had taken his daughters Hanneke and Becky out of school to

take part in the trip. Tina Gage, from Filey, allowed her teenage son Joe

to skip a GCSE exam in order to join the fight. Shaven-headed fan Anthony

Hill, 26, sacrificed a day at work.

 

Pensioners Alan Wragg and Peter Whitney had gone to bed early after

preparing a selection of tasty butties and filling their flasks. All were

united in a common goal.

 

For Richard Batho, chairman of the Blades Independent Fans Association

(BIFA), this was an opportunity to protest on behalf of the club rather

than against it. Yet another sign of the times after leading campaigns

for change prior to the McCabe era.

 

When the lobbying was finally over, many of the United fans emerged into

the blazing sun and headed straight for a pint in the nearest watering

hole they could find. It was just a shame about 'those bloody London

prices'.

 

On the gardens normally reserved for political interviews, the issue of

fairness in football was the only talking point.

 

Some people objected, shouting angrily about 'genocide' being far

more important than a game of football. Across the road, another

group of campaigners – seeking help in the fight against Duchenne

Muscular Dystrophy – was waiting to enter the Commons. Their

presence put things into perspective.

 

But while football should never be regarded as a matter of life or death,

it does have a significant impact on people's lives.

 

The fans who travelled to London yesterday did so because football is

their passion and they have a love for their football club.

 

They behaved impeccably, caused offence to no one, and played a key role in

the club's legal battle with the Premier League.

 

As they headed back to Yorkshire and prepared to resume their normal

daily routines, they could look back on a job well done.

 

Now they must simply hold their collective breath and wait for independent

arbitrators to study the evidence next week.

*****

 

Source: Tiscali

LONDON - Actor Sean Bean poses with Sheffield United fans on the

Embankment on June 13, 2007 in London, England. Bean is visiting

Westminister Palace to speak with MP's on behalf of Sheffield United

FC after the Yorkshire club's points dispute with West Ham United was

determined to have been a factor in their relgation from the FA

Premiership.

*****

Bean joins Blades fans in Parliament plea - with video

Source: The Star

13 June 2007

 

 

MORE than 100 Sheffield United supporters heard an impassioned address

from Hollywood superstar Sean Bean at the Houses of Parliament today.

Bean, a member of the board of directors and one of the best known fans,

was speaking after MP's invited a delegation from Bramall Lane to Westminster

as their fight with the Premier League approaches its most critical stage.

 

A panel of independent arbitrators are due to examine the FAPL's decision

not to deduct West Ham points for a serious of breach of transfer regulations

on Monday.

 

 

United argue that contributed to their relegation to the Championship and

are fighting hard for reinstatement.

 

Those who attended the meeting: the media were barred: reported that

Bean received a four minute standing ovation from those present.

 

Clive Betts and Alan Keen, chair of the all party football group, also gave

their backing to United's 'Fairness' campaign.

 

Betts said: "That's all we are looking for... fairness. "

 

Bean told The Star: "I am in a position to be able to express my opinion and
that of many Sheffield United fans who feel aggrieved by the decision that

was made by the original Premier League panel.

 

"I think it is important that I voice that opinion and those of other Sheffield

United fans who are very unhappy about the decision that was made, the

injustice of that decision and the fact that it has cost, or could cost, Sheffield

United their Premier League status."

 

Converted Blades fan Kieran O'Brien has become the latest TV and film star

to join Sheffield United's Fairness campaign .

 

The actor, who is currently appearing in BBC cop drama Holby Blue, joined a

delegation of 100 Blades who travelled to the House of Commons today.

 

Sheffield-born actor and TV traveller Michael Palin has also backed the campaign.

 

Click on the play icon in the original article to see Sean speaking about the protest.

*****

Thanks to the fans

Source: Sheffield United

13 June 2007

 

Sheffield United wish to express grateful thanks to all those fans who

contributed in any way to our Fairness in Football Campaign.

 

Some have written or emailed support, or used other media outlets, to get

the message across and, of course, hundreds went to London or Barkers

Pool to campaign on Wednesday 13 June.

 

As a tribute to all of you, here's a selection of pictures from those two events.

Campaign for Fairness in Football
Wednesday 13th June 2007

On the streets of London

*****

FAPL LIFE GOES ON WITHOUT BLADES

By Martyn Ziegler, PA Chief Sports Reporter

Source: Sporting Life

 

The Premier League will publish next season's fixture list on Thursday

despite Sheffield United's campaign to overturn their relegation from

the top flight.

 

League chiefs are so confident that next week's arbitration panel will not

rule against the Blades' relegation that they have decided not to postpone

the fixtures until after the hearing.

 

It is understood that the league believe the chances are virtually nil that the

arbitration panel will order a new disciplinary hearing for West Ham over

the Carlos Tevez.

 

Thursday's fixtures therefore will include West Ham as one of the 20 Premier

League clubs and not Sheffield United.

 

The Blades have reacted by extending their campaign to the political arena

with a protest meeting at Westminster on Wednesday backed by local MPs

and actor Sean Bean, and a meeting with European Commission

representatives on Friday.

 

Players' union chief executive Gordon Taylor has also backed their stance.

 

Taylor said: "I think they have a real valid case. I just think it's sad that

this has been a shadow hanging over the season.

 

"There were people involved at West Ham who knew what they were doing

and they are the ones who should be held to account.

 

"If some of them are still in football, then the penalties should apply to

them for doing it wrong in the first place."

 

Blades plc chairman Kevin McCabe is confident of success, but says the club

will accept their relegation if the panel finds against them.

 

However McCabe warned that would not be the end of the issue, and said

the Blades could then approach the EC in pursuit of compensation.

 

McCabe told BBC Radio Five Live: "If the arbitration were to go against us

on Monday we recognise that we are relegated to the Championship.

 

"I wouldn't say that is the end of the issue. We have on Friday a trip to

Brussels to meet the European Commissioner for culture and sport, Jan

Figel, so we are making our presentation there this week."

 

Asked about the purpose of going to Brussels, McCabe said: "I suppose

compensation. I've no idea how much.

 

"The real key is the arbitration, to right the wrongs of the injustice that was

caused by the first decision. We didn't field ineligible players."

 

Some MPs are opposing United's attempt to take their battle to Westminster.

 

Tony McNulty, MP for Harrow East and Home Office minister and a lifelong

Hammers fan, said: "The Premier League has dealt with this matter and

West Ham has taken its punishment. It's now trying to move on and I'm

looking forward to watching Premiership football at Upton Park next season."

 

FIFA may also not look kindly on any attempt by Sheffield United to take

their dispute to the European courts.

 

FIFA's statutes say: "It is prohibited to take disputes in the Association or

disputes affecting Leagues, members of Leagues, clubs, members of clubs,

players, officials to ordinary courts of law, unless the FIFA regulations or

binding legal provisions specifically provide for or stipulate recourse to

ordinary courts of law.

 

"Instead of recourse to ordinary courts of law, provision shall be made

for arbitration."

 

A senior FIFA source said: "The statutes mean that FIFA do not believe

sporting disputes should be settled in a civil court but in a sporting court.

 

"If they do not agree with the result of the arbitration they should go to the

Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne - not to the European Commission."

*****

Taylor backs Blades protest over Tevez
13.06.07

Source: This is London

 

Support: Actor Sean Bean arrives at Westminster with

Sheffield United fans in a bid to retain the team's place

in the Premiership

Gordon Taylor believes Sheffield United have a 'real valid case' in their

protest over the Carlos Tevez affair.

 

Taylor, the chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association,

gave his support today as 100 fans, including actor Sean Bean, went

to the House of Commons in an attempt to get Government backing.

 

Chairman Kevin McCabe is also threatening to involve the European

Commission.

 

United were relegated from the Premiership while West Ham survived

having avoided a points deduction despite being found guilty of fielding

two ineligible players last season.

 

Taylor said: “They have a real valid case. You've got to give credit to West

Ham for how they battled but there were people at the club who knew what

they were doing and they should be held to account. “If some of them are

still in football, then the penalties should apply to them for doing it wrong.”

 

United's fate rests on the judgement of an independent arbitration panel

next Monday.

 

McCabe says the club will accept their relegation if the panel finds against

them but warned that would not be the end of the issue.

 

His next move would be to approach the European Commission in the

pursuit of financial compensation.

 

West Ham, meanwhile, are still interested in signing England striker Darren

Bent but are not willing to meet Charlton's £20million asking price.

 

They may try to persuade them to take Marlon Harewood and Hayden

Mullins in part exchange.

*****

 

Bean takes battle to Parliament

Source: Sheffield United

 

 

Movie star Sean Bean received a standing ovation when he took the

Blades Campaign for Fairness to the House of Commons.

 

The Sheffield United director led a high profile group of club officials and fans

who met with MPs in Parliament to highlight the unfair way in which the

Premier League dealt with third party influences over West Ham United contract

with Carlos Tevez.

 

Sean delivered a passionate speech in committee room 14 to Sheffield

Attercliffe MP Clive Betts and Alan Keen MP, chair of the All Party

Parliamentary Football Group.

 

He said: "This is a momentous occasion to publicise our campaign for justice

to a global audience. It is about balancing the weak against the powerful.

Those who arbitrate must do so with the belief that money does not make a

person above the law.

 

"What the Premier League has to consider is two things: why a points

deduction was not applied? Secondly, why those who run the Premier

League are so reluctant to look deeper into the transfer procedures of

Carlos Tevez from Corinthians of Brazil to West Ham?

 

"What we are seeking is further action from Parliament to consider whether

procedures were transparent and correct. As I see it, for the first time in

football league history a team has been allowed to move the goal posts

mid-season and in return a new disciplinary regime simply fined them £5.5m

and did not deduct points for their wrong doing."

 

Sean added: "Football is a wonderful game and the Premier League is the

best in the world. As a director and lifelong fan I want my club to be part of it.

 

"We enter Parliament seeking the Premier League to admit they got it

wrong and in doing so making amends and reinstating Sheffield United to

the Premier League.

 

"We cannot let the God of money rule over the power of football," said Sean

who sat down to a standing ovation.

 

Earlier the lobby meeting heard from Alan Keen who said: "Sheffield United

have been dealt a very bad hand. I fully support Sheffield United's Campaign

for Fairness. Football's reputation hinges on everyone involved playing by

the rules, be that kids playing the park or in the World Cup final.

 

"I want to see the rules of the game applied evenly to all clubs and I don't

think they have been in the Carlos Tevez affair," he added.

 

Clive Betts, who joked to the Blades supporters that he was the only Owl

in a room of a hundred Unitedites, said: "I want to see fairness for Sheffield

United. The family of football wants to see a fair deal. . . the punishment

to fit the crime."

 

Before going into the committee room at the House of Commons Sean and

the lobby group of club officials and fans dressed in club colours held a photo

call on the nearby Victoria Embankment which attracted substantial interest

from the national, regional and local media.

 

Sheffield United chief executive Jason Rockett said: "The event provided

an important profile for the club's Campaign for Fairness. I cannot thank

our fans enough for taking time out to deliver our Campaign for Fairness

message. The extremely encouraging support from across the country

was further demonstrated today by the support we received from the MPs."

 

The Blades have also received support from Linda McAvan MEP, who said:

"The issues involved in the Carlos Tevez case don't simply affect Sheffield

United, they raise the basic question of fairness in football. As someone

who lives in Sheffield, as well as a representative of the city in the European

Parliament, I fully support Sheffield United's campaign and will assist in any

way that I can to press their case with the European authorities."

 

Sheffield United will be taking a small delegation to Brussels on Friday to meet

with European Commission officials to explain their 'Campaign for Fairness'.

*****

Actor Bean leads Sheffield Utd march
Wed Jun 13, 2007
By Mitch Phillips

Source: Reuters

 

Actor Sean Bean, the TV face of fictional Napoleonic soldier Richard

Sharpe, will lead a delegation of Sheffield United fans in a Parliamentary

protest over the Carlos Tevez affair on Wednesday.

 

Bean, a Hollywood star but still the owner of a strong South Yorkshire accent,

has long been a high-profile fan of his home-town club, who were relegated

from the Premier League on the final day of the season last month.

 

Bean and around 100 other supporters will meet some of the 49 MPs who

have backed an anti-West Ham Early Day Motion.

 

MP Clive Betts is expected to table a Parliamentary question asking why the

London club were only fined and not docked points for breaking the rules

over the transfer of their Argentine forward Tevez.

 

The Premier League is to hold an arbitration hearing on Monday and Tuesday

on the issue, with United claiming that West Ham should be docked points

and therefore relegated.

 

United's chairman Kevin McCabe said on Wednesday that if the hearing

were to go against his club, confirming their relegation, he would continue

the fight, if only for compensation, in the European courts.

 

"We have a trip to Brussels on Friday to meet the European Commissioner

for culture and sport Jan Figel so we are making our presentation there

this week," he told BBC Radio 5-Live.

 

"We'll go to the European Commission for them to opine.

 

"We believe we have maybe got a human-rights issue because of the loss

of jobs that has been established if we are relegated, the salaries that are

reduced because of going from the Premiership to the Championship and

those sort of issues."

*****

Sean Bean's Commons fight
By SEAN BEAN
Lord Of The Rings star and club director
June 13, 2007

Source: The Sun

ACTOR Sean Bean, a director of Sheffield United, has supported the club

since he was a lad.

 

Last month the Blades were controversially relegated from the Premiership –

and are appealing on the grounds that rivals West Ham were not properly

penalised for illegally signing Argentines Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

 

Here Sean, 48, explains why he is fronting a campaign to keep his club in the

Premiership.

 

LATER this morning I will lead a delegation of 100 Sheffield United supporters

in a visit to the Houses of Parliament.

 

We will be thanking all the MPs who signed an Early Day Motion a few weeks

ago criticising a procedure which has allowed Sheffield United, the club that

I have followed all my life and indeed been a director of since 2002, to be

relegated from the Premier League.

 

This is a momentous day, not only for me, but for two great institutions —

the game of football and parliamentary democracy.

 

In representing Sheffield United I am also representing the city that gave the

world the game of football.

 

The rules that were agreed in Sheffield were spread around the globe.

 

Upon entering Parliament I will be reminded that the politics of Britain have

been both envied and emulated globally.

In both politics and football there are ideas to adhere to and ideas of fairness.

 

Central to both games, be it football or politics, is trying to balance the

weak against the powerful.

 

Those who arbitrate must always do so with the belief that money does

not make a person above the law.

 

What I hope to discuss with Members of Parliament who have disagreed

with the Premier League centres around a principle.

 

What those who run the Premier game have to consider are two things: Why,

in this instance, is the punishment of a points deduction not being applied

like it has been in all previous cases of player registration misdemeanours?

 

Secondly, why are those who run the Premier League so reluctant to inquire

deeper into the transfer procedures of Carlos Tevez from Corinthians of Brazil

to West Ham?

 

Without sounding melodramatic, what is at stake here is crucial to notions of

fairness and, in the parliamentary sense, checks and balances upon power.

 

What we are seeking is further action from Parliament to pressure the Premier

League to consider whether procedures were transparent and correct.

 

As I see it, for the first time in football league history, a team has been allowed

to move the goalposts mid-season and in return a new disciplinary regime simply

fined them £5.5million and did not deduct points for their wrongdoing.

 

I do not see this as a dispute simply between Sheffield United and West Ham.

 

The Hammers, like the Blades, are a great club, founded upon steelworkers,

and the respective badges tell a similar story.

 

Football is a wonderful game and the Premier League is the best in the world.

As both a director and a lifelong fan I want my club to be part of it.

 

That Sheffield United are no longer in it is due in part to poor results and

to an unprecedented disciplinary procedure.

 

But I believe we can all be winners in this issue.

 

Following the belief that democracy is best defined as the greatest happiness

of the greatest number, I hope common sense prevails when the three-man

tribunal is convened on June 18-19 to reconsider the decision.

 

We in Sheffield invented the game of football.

 

Sheffield United FC hold numerous football firsts.

 

We enter Parliament seeking another — namely, the first time the Premier

League admit they got it wrong and in doing so make amends, reinstating

Sheffield United into the Premier League.

*****

Sheffield plan to quiz PM over points dispute

By Alistair Grant
13/06/2007

Source: Telegraph

 

Sheffield United have drawn up a remarkable plot to question Prime

Minister Tony Blair over the Premier League's failure to dock West

Ham points in the Carlos Tevez affair.

 

The relegated club, who want to replace the Hammers in next season's

top flight, take a delegation of 100 supporters, headed by Hollywood

star Sean Bean, to meet MPs at the House of Commons today.

 

United have invited the 49 MPs backing an anti-West Ham Early Day Motion,

with MP Clive Betts now set to table a Parliamentary question asking why the

Hammers escaped with a £5.5 million fine despite fielding an ineligible player.

 

The move would heap pressure on the Premier League ahead of Sheffield's

arbitration hearing on Monday and Tuesday, which will rule if the Premier

League were wrong not to deduct points from West Ham.

 

MPs have until tomorrow to table a question for Blair at next Wednesday's

Prime Minister's Questions session. The next opportunity to question sports

minister Richard Caborn would not be until June 25, in the next Department

of Culture, Media and Sport session.

 

Sheffield Attercliffe MP Betts said: "I will discuss it with Alan Keen MP and

there may well be parliamentary questions put down."

 

A United source added: "A number of MPs have said they'll lend support and

we're exploring ways to do that."

 

Keen, who hosts today's Commons summit in his role as All Party Football

Group chairman, criticised West Ham for lying about Tevez's status as part-

owned by a third-party and also accused the Premier League of making huge

errors of judgment.

 

"It seems West Ham made a serious breach of the rules and didn't tell the

truth, which was even worse than committing the crime," he said.

 

"They were let off - and there's no question about it if you look at previous

decisions about ineligible players. AFC Wimbledon were deducted 18 points,

reduced to three on appeal.

 

"West Ham's £5 million fine is nothing compared to the amount of money they

get by avoiding relegation.

 

"The Premier League seem to have made a serious mistake."

 

Bean will speak for the Blades today. A club source said: "Sean thinks it's a

point of principle as football is about fairness - so the club that stuck to the

rules shouldn't be punished for that."

 

The Premier League declined to comment.

*****

Source: Independent

12 June 2007

 

Sean Bean will march on Parliament today in protest against the relegation

of his beloved football team, Sheffield United, from the Premiership.

The actor, a director of "the Blades", is aghast that rivals West Ham

should have escaped demotion after supposedly fielding an "ineligible"

player, the Argentine Carlos Tevez. And he has found himself an unlikely

supporter: the former Python Michael Palin.

 

Palin claims to be an avid Blades fan, and tells me: "I heartily support

Sean Bean. I live in London but have maintained my Sheffield roots.

I've always followed United, though unlike Sean I don't have the tattoo

to prove it."

 

Sadly Palin won't join Bean today, explaining that he is struggling to

meet the deadline on his latest book. He adds: "I will be there in spirit."

*****

Source: Yorkshire Post

08 June 2007

Hollywood actor and Blades director Sean Bean, meanwhile, is to lead a

delegation of 100 supporters to the Houses of Parliament next week

where the club's protest against the Premier League will gather momentum.

 

The Blades want to raise awareness of their fight ahead of the arbitration on

June 18 and Bean says the key issue is one of 'fairness' and sending out the

right message to youngsters.

 

"United has always been close to my heart. I'm a massive Blades fan and

I'm proud to be associated with anything that might help us overturn this

injustice," he said.

 

"Everyone knows the facts, but we have had to bear the brunt of the unfair

decision to fine West Ham rather than dock the club points. They broke league
rules, and points, not a fine should have been the punishment. Instead,

West Ham have ended up being rewarded, while Sheffield United, who

played by the rules, face relegation.

 

"I hope that the arbitration panel will see the injustice and the message

that 'rule-breaking pays' will send out to kids playing football. The panel

now has the chance to right that wrong and I'll be doing everything I can

to encourage the arbitrators to do just that."

 

Blades chairman Kevin McCabe said: "We're thrilled to have Sean on board.

He's a great guy and a genuine voice of the many thousands of disappointed

Blades fans.

 

"We've already had a lot of support from MPs, and 35 have signed an Early

Day Motion in support of our position. We hope that with this campaign,

everyone in football will realise that Sheffield United should be able to

take its rightful place in the Premier League next season."

 

*****

Hollywood star to lead Blades campaign
Tuesday, 05 Jun 2007

Source: In the News

 

Hollywood actor Sean Bean is set to lead a campaign to have Sheffield

United reinstated to the Premiership following their controversial relegation

at the end of last season.

 

The Blades dropped down to the Championship after West Ham United

secured a last-day victory over champions Manchester United, with the

winner being scored by the Hammers' Argentinean forward Carlos Tevez.

 

However Sheffield United argue that because Tevez's transfer to Upton

Park broke Premier League rules they should have been docked points,

meaning United would have survived.

 

The Bramall Lane outfit, whose manager Neil Warnock resigned soon after

relegation was confirmed, have plenty of supporters already in their

campaign to be re-elected to the top flight.

 

And Bean, a star of the Lord of the Rings blockbusters, has now also lent

his considerable public persona to the cause.

 

"United has always been close to my heart. I'm a massive Blades fan and

I'm proud to be associated with anything that might help us overturn this

injustice," the actor said.

 

"Everyone knows the facts, but we have had to bear the brunt of the unfair

decision to fine West Ham rather than dock the club points. They broke

league rules and points, not a fine, should have been the punishment.

 

"Instead West Ham have ended up being rewarded, while Sheffield United,

who played by the rules, face relegation.

 

"I hope that the arbitration panel will see the injustice and the message

that 'rule-breaking pays' will send out to kids playing football. The panel

now has the chance to right that wrong and I'll be doing everything I can

to encourage the arbitrators to do just that."

 

An independent arbitration hearing will take place on June 18th/19th into

the processes surrounding the decision not to dock points from West Ham,

and the Blades' "campaign for fairness" is set to lobby MPs prior to the

meeting to make their feelings known.

 

Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe said he is "thrilled" by Bean's

involvement.

 

"He's a great guy and a genuine voice of the many thousands of disappointed

Blades fans," McCabe said.

 

"We've already had a lot of support from MPs, and 35 have signed an early

day motion in support of our position.

 

"We hope that with this campaign, everyone in football will realise that

Sheffield United should be able to take its rightful place in the Premier

League next season."

*****

BEAN BACKS BLADES BID

By PA Sport staff

Source: Sporting Life

04 June 2007

 

Sheffield United supporter Sean Bean has joined the club's fight to be

reinstated to the Barclays Premiership.

 

The Blades were relegated from the top flight after a final-day defeat at

home to Wigan.

 

West Ham - who escaped with a £5.5million fine for their conduct in the

transfer and registration of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano - survived.

 

The South Yorkshire side believe West Ham should have been docked

points over the Tevez affair and expect an independent arbitration panel

to find in their favour at a hearing on June 18-19.

 

And Hollywood actor Sean Bean, a lifelong Blades fan, has agreed to lead

the club's 'Campaign for Fairness'.

 

Next Wednesday, Bean will lead a delegation of Blades fans to MPs, when

the supporters will let parliament them know how unhappy they are with the

way the club has been treated.

 

He explained tonight: "United has always been close to my heart - I'm a

massive Blades fan and I'm proud to be associated with anything that

might help us overturn this injustice.

 

"Everyone knows the facts, but we have had to bear the brunt of the unfair

decision to fine West Ham rather than dock the club points.

 

"They broke league rules and points, not a fine, should have been the

punishment.

 

"Instead, West Ham have ended up being rewarded while Sheffield United,

who played by the rules, face relegation.

 

"I hope that the arbitration panel will see the injustice and the message

that 'rule-breaking pays' will send out to kids playing football.

 

"The panel now have the chance to right that wrong and I'll be doing

everything I can to encourage the arbitrators to do just that."

 

Blades chairman Kevin McCabe added: "Of course we're thrilled to have

Sean on board.

 

"He's a great guy and a genuine voice of the many thousands of disappointed

Blades fans.

 

"We've already had a lot of support from MPs, and 35 have signed an Early

Day Motion in support of our position.

 

"We hope that with this campaign, everyone in football will realise that we

should be able to take our rightful place in the Premier League next season."

*****

McCabe confident on Tevez

By Jeremy Cross

Telegraph
04/06/2007

 

Kevin McCabe, the Sheffield United plc chairman, insists he is confident the

club will be successful in their campaign to be reinstated to the Premiership.

 

An arbitration panel will sit on June 18 in London to hear United's claim

against the Premier League's failure to dock West Ham points over the Carlos

Tevez saga.

 

The Yorkshire club are challenging a decision to fine West Ham rather than

deduct them points and cancel the registration of Tevez, the Argentine forward.

The Premier League had initially told United, who were relegated on the last

day of the season, that they were wasting their time and money. However,

McCabe claims officials from the same organisation have told him that his club

will regain their top-flight status should their claim be successful.

 

McCabe, who has enlisted the help of Hollywood actor and lifelong supporter

Sean Bean, said: "I firmly believe we will win and the previous decision will

be overturned. Officials have said that if the arbitration overturns the previous

decision then we should be reinstated.

"I think the Premier League accept they wish the arbitration was not happening,

but in the knowledge it is happening and it cannot be prevented, then if the

decision is overturned we should be reselected.

 

"Since we really looked into the whys and the wherefores of the Tevez affair it

became apparent that a wrong decision was made.

 

"There were circumstances behind the wrong decision but we've looked at it and

consulted with our lawyers and we're confident that the arbitration will overturn it.

 

"An injustice has been done - a club that played within the rules has been

relegated and a club that breached the rules has been rewarded.

 

"The arbitration is critical to our reinstatement to the Premier League. If there

are other legal recourses they may be looked into but we're all working hard

towards 18 and 19 of June."

 

*****

 

Blades turn to Bean in Premiership fight

Source: This is London
03.06.07

Sheffield United have turned to Hollywood star Sean Bean for help in their

battle to be reinstated to the Premiership

.

Lifelong supporter Bean has promised to lead a delegation to Parliament on

June 13, five days before a panel rules on the club's relegation in the wake

of a decision not to dock West Ham points over the Carlos Tevez saga.

 

Bean said: "If I can help in any way to expose this injustice and get

Sheffield United reinstated to the Premier League I'd be a very happy and

proud man."

 

United's plc chairman Kevin McCabe says he has been told by a highlevel

Premier League official that the club will be restored to the top flight if they

win the hearing.

 

McCabe said: "I firmly believe we will win."

*****

Blades turn to Hollywood for appeal help

Source: Club Call
2007 06 03
Hollywood heartthrob Sean Bean is to help Sheffield United in their ongoing

battle to be reinstated into the Premiership.

The Blades have turned to the Sheffield-born actor to help them in their bid

to retain their status in the top flight and it is understood Bean will lead a

campaign to MPs before an independent panel rules on their relegation.

The South Yorkshire side suffered the misery of being relegated on the final

day of the season last month but are hoping that West Ham will be sent down

instead over the Carlos Tevez controversy, which saw the Hammers fined £5.5

million by the Premier League for fielding an ineligible player but escape a

point deduction which would have made the Blades safe.

Bean told the News of the World: "If I can help in any way to expose this

injustice and get Sheffield United reinstated to the Premier League I'd be a

very happy and proud man.

"If you look at the history of clubs who have been found guilty of fielding

inelgible players, they were all deducted points. A fine is an open invitation

for clubs to break the rules at will."

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