The club has says it “wishes to further address supporters’ justifiable concerns”
Linfield Football Club has issued a new statement to supporters in order to “address justifiable concerns” after fans expressed outrage following the club announcing an academy partnership with a sex offender.
Last week, the South Belfast Irish League club was widely condemned after it said it was “delighted” to partner with Mooney’s Master Butchers on Shankill Road, which is owned by Stephen Mooney, a man who was convicted in 2018 for sexually assaulting a woman.
Following backlash from fans, Linfield cancelled the partnership on Saturday, November 22, apologising to fans for any distress that may have been caused.
READ MORE: Linfield end academy partnership with sex offender after fan backlashREAD MORE: Linfield condemned after announcing academy partnership with sex offender
The club has now issued a new statement refuting claims made in another NI media outlet by Stephen Mooney that Linfield had apologised to him for ending the sponsorship partnership.
It has also said that its Club Director and Vice Chairman Stephen Dickson will step down from his role at the end of the season.
The statement said: “Linfield Football Club wishes to further address supporters’ justifiable concerns following recent media coverage of our cancelled sponsorship agreement.
“The Board of Directors met yesterday evening and have unanimously agreed a course of action.
“Sunday’s media story was inaccurately reported and is denied. In particular, we would wish to confirm that the only apology the club had made is to those supporters who have been distressed by this sponsorship arrangement with one of our Academy teams.
“We have this afternoon written to our supporters’ clubs to provide a detailed response and will continue to engage with other supporters’ representatives going forward. If any other supporter has any specific concern on this issue, please do not hesitate to contact the club directly.
“Our Club Director and Vice Chairman Stephen Dickson has provided a full and unreserved apology for this serious error of judgement which was not reported to the wider Board at the time. Stephen has been a Board member for more than 20 years and has provided significant financial investment to the club along with countless hours of voluntary service. Stephen had advised that he will be stepping down from the Board at the end of this season when his current term of office ends.”
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