Protest banner at Coucke's home, club responds
A group of Anderlecht ultras hung a banner reading "Wees nobel en rot op" ("Be noble and get lost") at owner Marc Coucke's residence in Merelbeke over the weekend (1) (2). The hardcore fan group is escalating its campaign against Coucke, following earlier graffiti at the stadium.
Anderlecht called the action "unacceptable" and issued a pointed statement distancing the club from the protest: "The demands of a few individuals are in no way representative of our many supporters" (1) (2). Other fan groups also condemned targeting Coucke's private home.
The backdrop is long-simmering frustration over perceived underinvestment. Fans have contrasted Coucke's spending on personal ventures with what they see as a lack of ambition for the squad. The club sits 4th with 33 points from 40 matches, and is currently searching for a new head coach, CEO Kenneth Bornauw has confirmed advanced talks with two candidates, aiming for an appointment before medical tests begin on 20 June.
Fan reactions
The mood among supporters online is split. Some back the ultras' direct action as the only way to get Coucke's attention after years of disappointment. Others feel targeting a family home crosses a line and damages the club's image. One fan summed up the frustration: "We're tired of words, we want to see ambition." See what fans are saying
