Yeovil owner sorry for “embarrassing” himself and club during “hurtful” incidents at Hemel

Yeovil Town owner Martin Hellier has said sorry for “embarrassing” himself and the club during “hurtful” incidents at Hemel Hempstead.

He issued a statement on Twitter come Monday after a video emerged showing him in heated scenes at the National League South opener.

As per Gloverscast, Hellier said he has approached by a supporter and refutes claims he had “berated” manager Mark Cooper after the game, which saw Yeovil lose 1-0.

Martin Hellier, a picture of professionalism as he is held back by a steward and one of his entourage on day 1 of the new season. A new dawn, a new era for #ytfc we were told. The facade is over Hellier. We know what you are. The internet is forever ! #YeovilTown pic.twitter.com/wGrGfu9WcR

— Burnerboy (@Burnerboy5216) August 6, 2023

The owner’s post read: “I felt I must post this message in light of the endless abuse I am receiving from a person I will not name. Yesterday I did indeed embarrass myself and let myself down and the club I have put so much into.

“Upon arriving at the ground, and so taken back the amazing Yeovil fan base that had made a long difficult journey to Hemel, I felt compelled to visit the fans and show my gratitude.

“With moments of arriving, a fan came up to me and said ‘Remember me from Twitter? I was the one that said I will bottle you and your fat son’.I think any father or parent, will only imagine the feelings that would stir inside you, and the incredibly difficult situation to remain composed in that moment. I did not strike one fan. I was ushered away by well meaning friends only to be harassed my another fan.

“I literally have no understanding of why a select few, for whom there would be no club but for the tireless efforts of my family, staff, team and volunteers, would choose to abuse us in this way.

“I wholeheartedly apologise for embarrassing myself and the club / fans of #YTFC but the circumstances were so hurtful, I was placed in an incredibly hurtful situation with very little time to process my thoughts.

“On the suggestion that I “berated” Mark Cooper following our team’s performance, this is an entirely baseless lie. I spoke quite pleasantly with Mark afterwards, surrounded by my colleagues and all the Hemel officials.

“My honest opinion is that this campaign is designed to mentally destablise me, perhaps designed to make me quit the club, so that this person who claims to represent Simul Sport, can attempt to buy the club after my family, staff and volunteers efforts.

“I am honestly and humbly so sorry that we live in an era where literally anything can be said, without accountability, and be assumed to be correct.
“In the right environment / investigation, I will gladly give the names of colleagues, witnesses, match official and Hemel staff who will testify to what I have written.

“I ask all fans to continue to support and believe the intentions of my family, having shown our commitment so much, that you allow us to continue to work on transforming our beloved club, and continue to enjoy the journey we are on.

“Your support is overwhelming and we are truly humbled.

“Best regards alwaysMartin, family, and staff
(I will remove my account in 24 hours, I’m sorry, I had to respond to these awful accusations)”

Fans reacted as the Yeovil owner says sorry for “embarrassing” himself and the club during “hurtful” incidents at Hemel…

@GloversUnity: You also told my son to fuck off, missed that part.

@MarkSwatridge: I’m sure your son was completely innocent at the time…

@LaurenceCombyne: sorry to read this, Martin. I suggest not deleting your account and I write that as an AFC Wimbledon supporter watching from afar and appreciating the efforts you are putting into Yeovil Town Football Club. Take a step back, but do not delete. Keep your lines of comms open

@Jamesdrew27: You reacted how any parent would of. Nothing to be embarrassed by. Good people can see what you and your family have done for the club.

@GarethTanner: Martin you brought this club back to life ,done a great job by you ,your family and those who are involved in the club ! You shown you have passion ! Like many been supporting this club through thick and thin! It’s a few that let this club down! Achieve by unity! Keep going 💚👍

@FrancisMedley: You’re a passionate man about the club. It would be a shame to delete the account as you say it as it is. Standing up against abuse is understandable, and you will never please everyone. If you wanted to do that, you would be selling ice-cream not owning a football club.

 

@DerekC44437188: I’m sorry to hear this Martin. Unfortunately there will always be this kind of “supporter”…. I think closing your account is the best thing to do for the sake of your own and your families well-being. Stay safe .

@_Jontosaurus_: The result was very disappointing for all, but it doesn’t excuse the behaviour of those “so-called” fans. To resort to threats like that is despicable. The majority of supporters are completely behind you and your team.

@MarkSwatridge: Ignore the fools and keep up the good work Martin, he who should not be named appears to have an agenda to disrupt the great progress you’ve made so far, he cannot be allowed to do so. As for the Hemel match abuser he should be ashamed of himself

@samdruiff: Very vanarama

@cagray91: Need to start banning these idiots that make it embarrassing to be a @YTFC fan!

@hyeovilfc: Sending you a message of support Martin don’t let them get to you. Thanks for all you’re doing at YTFC and look forward to meeting you again sometime.

@SAndrews95_Thfc: Shame to hear. Keep up the good work martin. The vast majority appreciate the hard work you have put in. 💚

@MichaelCalv: Don’t blame him for this at all. Maybe if someone was abusing my son I’d probably react like this a well. Our fanbase is delusional.

@MichaelCalv: Our fan base is shocking. Everyone’s out to get each other. Never happy with anything. We are probably in our best position financially, players wise etc in years. This is half the problem, toxic fans. #ytfc

@BeesDarren: Martin find me a parent that wouldn’t feel the same as you, when put in that situation. Keep on doing what your doing at the club, it’s only the start to a very long journey for us all.

@RobSP86: I was right there and someone went out of their way to confront him and wouldn’t leave it. Don’t blame him for reacting like this.

York owner Matt Uggla calls out Yeovil owner Martin Hellier over sending ‘threats’