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FC United fan shocked by ‘abusive’ email claimed to be sent by Chairman of Northern Premier League

An FC United of Manchester fan was left shocked by an ‘abusive’ email claimed to be sent by the Chairman of Northern Premier League.

Aled Duckfield emailed Mark Harris, the Chair of the Northern Premier League and FA Council member, expressing concerns about FC United of Manchester’s home fixture being moved to a neutral ground.

Harris is accused of telling Duckfield to ‘go fuck yourself’ with a screenshot of the email since being shared on social media, leading to further anger.

On the 7th of April, FC United of Manchester issued a statement: “A meeting of the Northern Premier League Board of Directors has determined that FC United of Manchester’s home fixture against Stockton Town will be played at a neutral venue on Tuesday 21 April.

“This decision has been made under the powers granted to the Board in accordance with Rule 8.7.2 of the FA Standardised Rules.

“The fixture will now take place at Curzon Ashton FC (The Tameside Stadium, Ashton-under-Lyne), with a 7.45pm kick-off.

“FC United of Manchester proposed an alternative arrangement for the fixture, which was considered by the Board but not accepted.”

Northern Premier League Chairman Mark Harris said: “Following consideration of all relevant factors, the Board has determined that a neutral venue is the most appropriate outcome in this instance. The decision was made taking into account the interests of both FC United of Manchester and Stockton Town.”

FC United of Manchester Chairman Nick Boom said: “We are disappointed with the decision, particularly given the impact it has both sporting and financially. However, our focus now is on ensuring the game is delivered properly and that our supporters can get behind the team at Curzon Ashton.”

FC United of Manchester v Stockton Town will take place at Curzon Ashton FC (The Tameside Stadium, Ashton-under-Lyne) on Tuesday 21 April, kick-off 7.45pm.

Aled Duckfield (@duckiex14) has since tweeted: “I’m shocked by this response to my email from the Chair of The @NorthernPremLge and member of the @FA Council. Is this an acceptable way for those in power to speak to football supporters who express genuine concerns? @FCUnitedMcr @WeAreTheFSA”

Aled said in his email: “To members of the NPL board, the decision taken by yourselves to move what will be our final game to a neutral venue is diabolical. There is also the chance we could win the league at this fixture as well and to take this away from our supporters from being in our own ground shows the incompetence and lack of governance present at the NPL. You clearly have an issue with us, maybe it’s because we know how to do things properly….

“At a time when non League clubs struggle with cashflow, your decision will cost our club and also lose our usual match day revenue.

“You are also making a laughing stock out of the integrity of this competition. You are now disadvantaging the other competing teams for the playoffs by providing an advantage to Stockton.

“You should be ashamed of yourselves and you best believe you created a fire for us FC United supporters that as you are well aware will not be put out.

“The quicker you stand down from the board and proper governance is put in to place the better for the integrity of the competition.”

Here’s the social media reaction after FC United fan spoke of his shocked by an ‘abusive’ email claimed to be sent by Chairman of Northern Premier League…

@alexjhurley: Is this honestly real? If so he has to resign. Totally unacceptable.

@duckiex14: 100% real. I couldn’t believe it myself

@alexjhurley: Enthusiastic amateurs in blazers are not always the brightest but this is ridiculous. I wonder if (hope) the media will get hold of it. IMO steps 2-4 need to be run as one organisation with professionals in charge, instead of the current fragmented amateur approach. Good luck 👍

@Martin_Abrams: Absolutely shocking response from the Chair of the @NorthernPremLge to a fan expressing genuine concerns about a @FCUnitedMcr Home fixture being changed to a ‘neutral ground’. Solidarity Aled

@keithafoster: Nothing in the email was personal or abusive and how was that in any a reasonable or defensible response. If he doesn’t resign he should be sacked.

@CommitteeFCUM: Unbelievable. What a way to highlight just how much disdain league officials have for football fans. The sense of superiority exists at every level of the game. Nothing short of Mark Harris’s resignation will do

@StadiumTravelUK: I smell a resignation. Disgraceful response.

@SimonHednesford: As a Hednesford fan I’m shocked by this and can’t understand why they have moved your final game? You should be playing it at home for the integrity of the competition. He should be removed from his position for the response, what a knob.

@Fac51MCR: That just emphasises how unprofessional he is and with what disdain they see supporter’s. Shocking

@Basil1Brush: The @NorthernPremLge is being run like a circus. The leadership is nowhere near the standards the game deserves, and the league has become completely unfit for purpose. Nothing changes until there’s a full reset of governance and the people running it. @FCUnitedMcr @FSA

@tongyyy95: This is beyond a joke of a response to a fan raising their concerns to the chair of the @NorthernPremLge, needs some serious looking into

@SeddonAdrian: Shocking response from the chair of the @NorthernPremLge to a supporter with legitimate concerns. Debbie Hewitt MBE is this behaviour acceptable from an @FA Council member?

@MarkRedman26327: This is totally unacceptable. The response to a genuine email of concern lacked decorum & demonstrates misconduct & requires an investigation. Peremptory action by the FA is a MUST. No ifs or buts, no sweeping under the carpet. We all expect transparency as a minimum obligation.

@Chantal_OM: Wow, this is truly shocking. Fans raising genuine concerns should be treated with respect, not contempt. Completely unacceptable from someone in that position. @NorthernPremLge Mark Harris’ position is untenable.

@GazDean1: Absolutely shocking! 😡 In every single line of work this would result in being fired, I hope the @NorthernPremLge do the decent thing!

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