A passionate Bolton Wanderers fan has launched a petition calling for the club he loves to reverse the decision of letting payday loan company QuickQuid sponsor them.
Bolton fan Andy Walton, a Lancastrian who lives in Bethnal Green, London, has started a petition on change.org that has attracted almost 3,000 signatures.
A two-year deal is proposed to start next season, but Mr Walton is vehemently opposed to the plans and has urged the club to reconsider.
“Bolton Wanderers is a family club. It has been at the centre of community life in Bolton for more than 125 years,” he said.
“That is why so many fans are upset that the club has done a deal with the payday lending company QuickQuid.
“Payday loan companies charge sky-high rates of interest and are looking to exploit people who have fallen on hard times. In this tough economic climate, that includes many Bolton fans.”
His petition urges for club chairman Phil Gartside and the rest of the Trotters board to reconsider their decision of letting QuickQuid replace current sponsors 188BET.
Last night, around 60 fans and community leaders protested outside Bolton Town Hall and chanted “QuickQuid out” and “Gartside out” to get their message across.
Only last year, a 36-year-old Bolton father committed suicide by setting himself on fire after being hassled by other payday loan companies.
The petition is supported by Bolton South East Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi, who revealed via Twitter she has written to the Whites to help persuade them change their mind.
“Have written to #bwfc urging them to reconsider deal w/ Quickquid,” she tweeted.
“Disappointed to learn #bwfc has entered in a sponsorship deal w/ Quickquid. Payday loan companies exploit vulnerable people in difficulties.”
The petition has struck a chord with the Trotters faithful and some have even refused to purchase the new kits with the QuickQuid logo when they go on sale.
Kim Hurd said: “I refuse to show support for loansharks. I will refuse to buy any BWFC product with their brand on it.
“I encourage others to adopt the same attitude. Looks like I will be wearing vintage kits for the next couple of years.”
Anne Dixon said: “I am ashamed and angered that the directors think that it is right to support such an evil organisation which preys on the less fortunate.
“Perhaps the players could have the guts to refuse to wear the shirt.”
Another passionate fan, Eric Holland, said: “It will be a disgrace to be associated with the type of business that takes advantage of those in need.
“This type of business has recently been found to be lending to youths and people under the influence of either drink or drugs. Bolton should not be associated with this type of business, end of.”
Image courtesy of Duncan Mather, via YouTube, with thanks
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