In the example above, TIA members have been instrumental in calling for boycotts of club
merchandise in order to reduce the profits of its current American co-owners and thereby discredit
them. This may be a good sign of the unity of Liverpool FC fans against whoever they perceive to
be the club’s enemies (including its owners). However, some members go further by viewing the
club itself as an enemy; apparently this is not the Liverpool FC way – all fans are expected to stand
behind the team, even in the face of bad results. Experienced members tend to play an important
role as tradition reminders by recalling the spirit of Liverpool FC fans. In this way, fan protests
against the club’s owners are only acceptable to the extent that they do not affect its players and
manager or, more ominously, affect the outcome of matches. All Liverpool FC fans can participate
in this form of protest in order to express their solidarity against the club’s owners or other perceived
antagonists.