Wolves cement English stance, keep The Liquidator banned

Wolves have confirmed that the iconic pre‑match anthem The Liquidator will remain banned, cementing the club’s stance on supporter conduct and safety. Executive chairman Nathan Shi announced on Thursday that, after a detailed review involving the Safety Advisory Group, the song will not return to Molineux, reinforcing the English side’s commitment to a welcoming matchday environment.

Origins of the ban

The song was originally banned because it sparked offensive chants aimed at bitter Black Country rivals West Brom. Its use has also been common among English clubs such as Premier League side Chelsea before matches. A Getty image captured the atmosphere at Molineux when the chant was still heard.

During the BBC WM Fan Forum in May, Nathan Shi pledged to reassess the club’s position on The Liquidator. Wolves then carried out a detailed review with the Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group, which includes representatives from statutory agencies and key stakeholders. The club examined supporter views, historical context and its responsibilities for safety and governance.

In a statement the club said it had considered the song’s history, the opinions expressed by supporters and the need to meet modern standards of behaviour. They concluded that re‑introducing The Liquidator would not be appropriate given recent FA sanctions for discriminatory chanting. Executive chairman Nathan Shi affirmed that the decision reflects Wolves’ duty to provide a welcoming environment for everyone.

“When I spoke to supporters in May, I said we would look at this issue again properly, and we have done that.”

“I respect what The Liquidator means to many Wolves supporters and its place in the history of Molineux, but we also have a responsibility to make decisions based on where the club is today and the standards we expect around our matchday environment.”

Club context and future fixtures

Wolves currently compete in the Championship after ending an eight‑year spell in the Premier League with a rock‑bottom finish of just 20 points. The summer saw Rob Edwards replaced by Cesar Peixoto following a seven‑month tenure. Their opening league game was a home draw with Blackburn, a match that also saw Kieran Trippier and Yerson Mosquera ruled out for several weeks. Wolves travel to Preston on Saturday for their second Championship fixture of the season.

The ban underscores a broader shift among English clubs to curb discriminatory chanting and align with stricter FA expectations. They hope the decision will help foster a safer, more inclusive atmosphere at Molineux for all fans.