Macclesfield FC's crucial National League North home fixture against Chorley is confirmed to proceed this weekend, despite a suspected arson attack that targeted the club's Leasing.com Stadium in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the scene after a toilet area in one corner of the stadium was deliberately set alight.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Fire crews worked diligently to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the ground. Authorities issued urgent warnings, advising local residents to keep their windows closed to avoid inhaling toxic fumes and urging the public to stay away from the affected area to allow emergency personnel to operate unimpeded.
Club Statement and Investigation
The club released an official statement acknowledging the incident, stating: 'Macclesfield FC are aware of a suspected arson attempt at the Leasing.com Stadium in the late hours of yesterday evening or early hours of this morning. Emergency services have responded immediately and are on site tackling the blaze in the affected areas.'
The statement continued, emphasising that the situation is under control, with no injuries reported, and investigations into the cause of the fire are already underway. The club expressed gratitude for the prompt alerting of emergency services but confirmed they would make no further comments while the investigation develops.
Fixture Schedule Unaffected
Despite the minor damage sustained, Macclesfield's away match at Darlington on Tuesday night proceeded as planned, and the highly anticipated home game against Chorley on Saturday will also go ahead. This resilience underscores the club's determination to maintain normal operations amidst adversity.
FA Cup Fairytale and Financial Windfall
Macclesfield FC shot to national fame in January with a historic FA Cup upset, defeating holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in front of a sellout crowd of 5,300 at their home ground. Their cup run continued with a narrow 1-0 loss to Premier League side Brentford in the fourth round, courtesy of an unfortunate own-goal.
This remarkable journey generated approximately £800,000 in revenue for the non-league club, including substantial television income from broadcasts on BBC and TNT Sports. The financial boost has been transformative for a club that was wound up by the High Court in 2020 due to debts exceeding £500,000.
Phoenix Club Revival and Infrastructure
Following its collapse, Macclesfield was resurrected as a phoenix club after local businessman Rob Smethurst acquired it from Rightmove. Smethurst invested £4 million of his personal funds to renovate the stadium, which now features a public gym and a state-of-the-art 4G pitch costing £1 million.
The 4G pitch is available for hire, generating an estimated £250,000 annually, showcasing the club's innovative approach to sustainability. On the field, the Cheshire-based team has enjoyed three promotions in its first four seasons and currently holds ninth place in the National League North, with games in hand on several rivals above them.
This weekend's match against Chorley represents not just another fixture, but a testament to the club's enduring spirit and community resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.
