York City chairman to stay away from games after fan altercation at match
Chairman of York City Glen Henderson will not attend games ‘for the time being’ after becoming embroiled in a dispute with fans at the last home match.
The hugely controversial chairman entered into an altercation with spectators at the game last Saturday when York City lost to Maidenhead 2-1.
Supporters turned on Mr Henderson in the hospitality area of the LNER Community Stadium, calling for him to resign.
Mr Henderson responded. Witnesses reported that he made a rude hand gesture towards fans. When asked about those reports by the York Press, he declined to comment.
As a result of complaints about the chairman’s behaviour, the York City Supporters’ Trust said: “The Trust is extremely disappointed to hear reports and receive an official complaint about the chairman’s behaviour at today’s match.
“We do not condone any form of abuse at our football club. The matter will be addressed via the appropriate channels.”
Today, in a statement on City’s website, the club said they had investigated the complaints, without naming the chairman as the subject of them.
It says: “An immediate investigation of relevant CCTV footage and stewards’ body cameras was instigated, which we are informed at present does not substantiate any of the claims.
“As a club, we will not tolerate any kind of abuse, in person or online, amongst fans or directed at club personnel, and we will not hesitate to hand over relevant evidence to the correct authorities to be pursued accordingly.”
It went on: “To ensure that the focus of supporters remains towards supporting the team on the pitch, club chairman Glen Henderson has chosen not to attend York City matches for the time being.
“The club respects his decision not to attend in order to ensure the best playing atmosphere for the team.”
Mr Henderson became chairman last July in a deal which saw him buy 51% of the shares, while the York City Supporters’ Trust took a 49% holding.
He caused a huge backlash after sacking John Askey, the manager who oversaw City’s promotion to the National League.
Mr Henderson then offered to sell his share of the club, a proposition that the supporters’ trust accepted. But he then rescinded this offer, placed his wife on the board, and revealed that his son Ethan is on an amateur dual signed contract, with York City FC and Northallerton Town FC.
Meanwhile the York City Supporters’ Trust have accepted his original offer to sell up and leave. Under this process, the deadline for him to go and a new owner to buy the club is 4 April.