. Unfortunately those on the outside think we look silly because of this and I am inclined to agree. Taking a "not guilty" banner to a march in support of our banned players is a stupid idea as they are not innocent.
I don't care who thinks we look silly.
I am long past appeasing opposition clubs, opposition supporters, and media critics.
The players have been found guilty, but they are not guilty.
It is hard for those who have a respect for the legal process to understand this attitude.
What you should try to remember is that the legal processes you respect and abide by are not what was used to bring down the guilty verdict on these players.
The process used was the WADA code, and the outcome of its process is very much short of justice, and what a court would find.
It is the misfortune of the players that they were never able to have access to a proper court and a proper process of hearing the case, using the legal principles you and others respect. Had they been able to, they most certainly would not have been found guilty.
So don't transfer the respect you have for the legal system and its findings to what has happened to the players here.
The players ARE innocent, no matter what WADA and CAS have found.
I think a "not guilty" banner at the march is the very essence of what is required.
I am marching, not only because I support the club and its endeavours to move on from what has been imposed on it, but because I believe the players have been victimised, wrongly, very wrongly, and I want them to know that I believe this, and that there are thousands of Essendon supporters out there who believe their suspensions are wrong, not just that we sympathise, and will accept them back after they have done their time.