Crystal Palace received a mention during Saturday’s Premier League clash between Arsenal and Southampton.
The Saints looked on course to leave Crystal Palace as one of three Premier League sides yet to win this season – along with Wolves and Ipswich – after going ahead thanks to a strike from Cameron Archer.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 15 | -8 | 5 |
| 17 |  IpswichIpswich | 7 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 14 | -8 | 4 |
| 18 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 7 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 3 |
| 19 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 7 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 15 | -11 | 1 |
| 20 |  WolvesWolves | 7 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 21 | -12 | 1 |
However, the Gunners fought back to secure a 3-1 win after goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Before any of these four goals went in – however – Southampton fans could be heard chanting about Crystal Palace in the 26th minute.
Southampton fans mock Arsenal supporters
If you haven’t seen, Arsenal fans have adopted their own version of the Holmesdale Fanatics – called the Ashburton Army.
Like our HF05 fanatics group – who clashed with Crystal Palace in 2023 – the Ashburton Army have even decided to adopt the same outfit choices, all cladded in black as they attempt to bring a bit of atmosphere to the typically lifeless Emirates Stadium, which is akin to getting blood out of a stone.
Southampton fans clearly do not hold the Ashburton Army in very high regard, as they could be heard chanting “you’re just a s___ Crystal Palace” to the group during Saturday’s game, according to Ed Aarons of the Guardian.
We’ll take that as a compliment towards the HF05 – who have clearly been a source of inspiration for other Premier League clubs since our promotion from the Championship back in 2013.
Good to see Crystal Palace and HF05 inspiring others
While we know ultras in English football are often the source of mockery, it is important to have these groups bringing some atmosphere to Premier League grounds.
Worryingly, a number of stadiums – both in the Premier League and the Championship – are totally devoid of any noise on matchdays, feeling more like a theatre than a football ground as the more vocal supporters are priced out of attending.
A vibrant atmosphere often rubs off on the players and makes for a more exciting spectacle, so hopefully – despite Southampton fans mocking the Ashburton Army – more Premier League clubs do decide to copy the Holmesdale Fanatics, which should make for a better experience all round in England’s top flight.
