Football League Chairman Tells Fan to 'Go F*** Yourself' in Fixture Row
A football league chairman has sparked outrage after telling a fan to 'go f*** yourself' in a heated exchange over the venue for a crucial promotion fixture. The incident occurred when Northern Premier League chairman Mark Harris responded with the expletive to an email from FC United supporter Aled Duckfield.
Background of the Fixture Controversy
The controversy centres on FC United's home match against Stockton Town, originally scheduled for Broadhurst Park but now moved to the neutral venue of Curzon Ashton's ground on April 21. This decision follows six previous postponements of the fixture due to persistent issues with the playing surface at Broadhurst Park. On one notable occasion, Stockton Town travelled 115 miles only for the match to be called off just an hour before kick-off, with FC United subsequently covering their travel costs.
FC United officials had proposed alternative arrangements to the Northern Premier League, including using their home ground with Curzon Ashton as a backup if the pitch was deemed unfit on the morning of the game. However, league bosses ultimately opted for the neutral venue, citing ongoing concerns about the pitch's condition.
The Explosive Email Exchange
Aled Duckfield, a dedicated FC United follower, emailed chairman Mark Harris on Tuesday evening to express his frustration and outrage at the decision. In his message, Duckfield described the move as 'diabolical' and criticised the league's 'incompetence and lack of governance.' He suggested the decision deprived supporters of potentially witnessing their team win the league at their own ground and called for Harris to resign from the board.
Just six minutes later, at 9.27pm, Harris replied from his official league email address with a brief but incendiary response: 'Thank you for your lovely email, now go f*** yourself.' Duckfield later posted a screenshot of this exchange on social media platform X, expressing shock at the chairman's language.
Aftermath and Official Response
It is understood that Harris quickly apologised in a follow-up email after sending the initial expletive-laden message. The Northern Premier League has declined to comment publicly on the incident when contacted by Daily Mail Sport. However, officials are aware of the situation and have scheduled a board meeting for Friday to address the matter. The Football Association has also been notified and is monitoring developments.
Duckfield added: 'I'm shocked by this response from the Chair of The Northern Premier League and member of the FA Council. Is this an acceptable way for those in power to speak to football supporters who express genuine concerns?'
About FC United
FC United of Manchester was formed in 2005 by a group of fans protesting the Glazer family's debt-burdening takeover of Manchester United. The club moved to its purpose-built, 4,900-capacity Broadhurst Park ground in Moston, Manchester, in 2015. This season, average attendances have exceeded 1,800, reflecting strong community support.
In sporting terms, FC United are currently two points behind the league leaders with a game in hand and four matches remaining. Stockton Town sit one point outside the play-off positions, making this fixture critical for both teams' promotion ambitions. The venue change adds another layer of controversy to an already high-stakes encounter.
