The recent local difficulties at Hereford United over a couple of forum posts pale into insignificance when compared with the current disputes between Sheffield Wednesday and some of the club's supporters.
In essence the Owls and chairman Dave Allen may take some supporters to court for certain posts made on forums. And because of the threat of action these supporters are having to take legal advice.
One supporter said that the club are looking to take action against 30 or so posters for alledged comments made on Owlstalk. The club has reportedly asked the owner of Owlstalk to provide copies of postings made over the past twelve months for them to try and find something that can be used against certain fans.
Below is a copy of a statement posted the the official Sheffield Wednesday Website last Saturday.
A fan site has consistently been used as a forum for the posting of untrue and damaging statements about the Club. The Club's lawyers (K&L Gates) have written to the operator of that site regarding his involvement in the publication of those statements and asking for information about the individuals that have made those statements.
We are considering the response from his lawyers and are taking advice on the appropriate action to be taken. The Club expects and welcomes comment from its supporters, but when those comments include false and misleading allegations and accusations, the Club will need to take action to protect its reputation and the reputation of its Directors.
The supporter thought that should the club 'pursue each case individually, and should each case take 2 weeks each in the High Court, the bill facing the club, should it lose, could total between £4 million and £8 million.'
As well as the bill for the club should these actions go ahead, those supporters involved would also face heavy costs which could into thousands of pounds as any fan receiving a letter threatening to sue them is likely to hire a lawyer and they don't come cheap.
One view is that Wednesday may not take further action following an initial letter.
"This is a classic tactic designed to mount up as many legal costs for the person with less money than you, sometimes bankrupt them, leave them in a load of debt and not have to go in front of a court to explain why you've done it," suggested one poster.
At the club's AGM last summer some supporters spoke against Allen. Later at a press conference he is reported to have referred to fans as "cretins", "scum", and even called one lady a "venemous bitch" because at the the AGM she delivered a speech that asked him to embrace the fans, rather than constantly fight against them.
So what have these fans been done?
One said that he had written a post suggesting that 'the club's activity in the transfer market was not as genuine as it appeared. I used no foul language, I merely expressed my genuinely held opinion.. I named no-one. Yet apparently, this constitutes defamation. I am also aware of another life long supporter of the club who is subject to possible legal action for suggesting that Chris Brunt would be sold and that we would have a poor start to the season. Both of which are now evidently correct.'
Whether any court action will take place remains to be seen. But until it is lifted the threat is there and has to be taken seriously by the supporters involved.
Meanwhile at Hereford United manager Graham Turner has spoken about the position of former director Dave Preedy.
Preedy was invited onto the board last year but had to step down after the accountants pointed out that he needed 400 shares, which he didn't have, to qualify as a director.
Asked, last week, if Mr Preedy was likely to be 'reinstated' as a director, Turner said that 'at the present time Mr Preedy does not have any shares.'
There are just four directors at Hereford United.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Darlington Away In The League On Saturday 23rd November At 3.00pm