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Sheffield Wednesday and Manager Brian Laws Sues Fans!!
MANCHESTER, England, September 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Darryl Keys, Chairperson of Sheffield Wednesday fans' group
"Wednesdayite" was recently threatened with a libel case by the club after
being asked whether Wednesdayite had ever invited a Club Director onto its
board. His response was that they had invited a senior figure to become more
deeply involved but he was not in a position to do so at that time. Although
Darryl's answer was absolutely true Sheffield Wednesday took this reply as
libellous claiming it to be damaging to the club and demanding an apology.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club Limited's solicitors, Irwin
Mitchell contacted Mr Keys whilst he was on a family holiday on Friday 10
August 2007 demanding a reply by Monday 13 August 2007. They said that if he
did not reply they would issue proceedings on Tuesday 14 August 2007.
The club has now withdrawn its threat in its entirety, but
refuses to pay the legal costs that it forced Mr Keys to incur.
After threatening a Court case against Darryl Keys, Sheffield
Wednesday Football Club Limited, its directors, Chief Executive, Kaven Walker
and manager Brian Laws have issued proceedings in the High Court against
ardent fan, Neil Hargreaves. In that claim they seek the names and details of
13 other fans who they wish to sue for comments posted on an internet website
between 24 July 2007 and 3 August 2007.
Mark Lewis of George Davies Solicitors LLP in Manchester who
is representing both Darryl Keys and Neil Hargreaves said, "I have never
before known such a reaction. It seems that anyone who dares to criticise the
board, risks getting a hugely expensive legal case against them. Emotions run
high. The chairman, Dave Allen is on record as calling fans "scum", "cretins"
and "a venomous bitch". It seems the fans are not allowed to answer back"
Complaints have been made against Mr Allen to the FA.
For further information please contact
Mark Lewis
George Davies Solicitors LLP
Tel: +44-(0)-161-236-8992
Email:marklewis@georgedavies.co.uk or
Tel: +44-(0)-7904523443
Lucy Woods
Business Development Assistant
On Behalf Of George Davies Solicitors LLP
Tel: +44-(0)-161-234-8856
Email: lucywoods@georgedavies.co.uk
