Update from National League North club after owner's arrest

Macclesfield's Moss Rose ground pictured in 2010. Picture: John Lord/Flickr

One of Macclesfield's co-owners will remain on the board of directors after being arrested on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour.

Robert Smethurst, 48, was temporarily relieved of his duties after being detained in May, but club officials say he has now been reinstated and will "continue to support the football club's ongoing development".

In a statement yesterday (June 10), the board at the National League North Club said an agreed way forward had been reached in the "best interests of the football club".

It said: "Robert has acknowledged that some of his recent comments and actions have given rise to understandable concern amongst supporters.

"That recognition has formed an important part of the discussions which have taken place.

"The board also notes that a number of completely unfounded claims regarding the private lives of Board members have circulated online during this period.

"We would like to make it absolutely clear that there is no basis whatsoever for these allegations and would urge supporters not to engage with or perpetuate them.

"Throughout this period, the Board's priority has remained the protection and long-term success of the Football Club.

"Robert has played a major role in helping rebuild football in Macclesfield and in establishing the foundations that exist today."

The statement added that the club’s focus is now "firmly on the future and on ensuring that Macclesfield FC continues to move forward as a Club that the whole community can be proud of".

In an earlier update, Cheshire Constabulary confirmed a 48-year-old man was arrested in Wilmslow on May 19 and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Robert Smethurst has denied the allegations and told the BBC he was gutted and devastated, adding: "It's an absolute load of rubbish."