The Trust have contacted the EFL over homophobic, offensive and aggressive comments that were reportedly made towards the Club during an EFL meeting last week.
The following email has been sent to the EFL this morning:
It was reported last night at the Fans Forum last night that our prospective new owners were responsible for a number of comments during last week’s meeting with the EFL. From what was stated, these include:
- Calling the Rochdale AFC Board of Directors “Nancy boys”
- Said that the people of Rochdale were “small minded people”
- Expressed a desire to settle any dispute with a physical fight inside a boxing ring
It goes without saying that this has caused a great deal of concern within our fanbase. If these comments were said in the meeting, it would seem that their position is in a complete polar opposite to that of the EFL that has made a firm commitment to make “football welcoming for everyone” by embracing the LGBTQ+ community – something we at the Dale Trust are totally in support of. Furthermore, the boxing ring comments brings back dreadful memories football back in the 80’s that was blighted by hooliganism.
In light of these comments, we have a number of questions for the EFL that we would like answering as a result of these comments:
- Can you confirm that these comments were made in last week’s EFL meeting with Andy Curran and Darrel Rose?
- What action do you intend to take as a result of these comments?
- Will the EFL be taking these comments into account when coming to their decision whether Curran and Rose meet the criteria for the fit and proper person test?
- Is it not true that comments such as these completely contradict the diversity ethos demanded by all football governing bodies, and contravention by anyone, including anyone already with, or currently seeking approval for a controlling interest of any Club within the EFL, would automatically exclude them from such approval being granted?
As soon as we receive any reply from the EFL, we will update Supporters at the earliest opportunity.