FC Copenhagen join Ajax in urging fans not to bring signs asking for players’ shirts

FC Copenhagen have joined Ajax and Slavia Prague in urging fans not to bring signs asking for players’ shirts from the 2023/24 season onwards.

One of football’s most controversial talking points in recent years has been fans taking written signs to football matches, asking for a player to give them their matchworn shirt after the full-time whistle.

These items are extremely valuable and unfortunately in one too many cases, the shirt has ended up being sold on eBay for a tidy fee instead of being hung up on a fan’s wall in pride.

That’s not a reason given by Copenhagen in their recent statement however, instead focusing on preventing children from leaving the stadium disappointed when a player is unable to hand over their shirt.

“From this season, FC Copenhagen does not want signs to be carried with requests for a shirt from the players for the home games in the Park or in our away section, as has been seen introduced in, among others, Ajax and Slavia Prague.
 
“The decision stems from the fact that it is not possible for the players or the club to meet the many wishes, and we therefore disappoint a lot of children who come with the hope of getting a jersey. 
 
“The number of signs has increased significantly over recent seasons, and unfortunately we have many children who get a bad experience from carrying a sign.

“At the same time, the players are put in a difficult situation because they cannot fulfil the wish and are perceived negatively because they have to say no to the many requests.
 
“We hope for understanding and understand, of course, that many want a shirt from a player, and it is still allowed for the players to choose to give a shirt to fans, but it will be without the signs.”

Fra denne sæson ønsker vi ikke, at der bliver medbragt skilte med ønsker om at få en trøje fra spillerne – læs mere her om baggrunden #fcklive https://t.co/ZyjY4okEeK

— F.C. København (@FCKobenhavn) July 27, 2023

In August 2022, Ajax banned fans from bringing signs into the Johann Cruyff Arena asking players for shirts after matches. The club said it was no longer possible for players to fulfil all the requests and when players walked by without handing over a shirt they were often criticised as arrogant.

Cardboard signs being used also posed a fire hazard according to Ajax. In February earlier this year, Slavia Prague also banned fans with such signs from entering the Fortuna Arena, which received an overwhelmingly positive response on social media.