- Yeovil-based businessman Hellier completed a takeover of the club in May 2023
- National League side’s finances were published on Friday and showed hefty loss
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Are Liverpool fans right to lambast Trent Alexander-Arnold?
A Yeovil Town supporter has been banned from attending matches due to his negative comments about the club on social media.
Jonathan Hooper published a letter he received from the club on Friday that informed him of the two-year banning order that has been imposed because of social media comments that ‘have caused significant disruption and created an environment that is not conducive to the values and reputation of the Club.’
Hooper’s X account – which was specifically referenced by the club – is similar to various fan accounts on the platform. In his bio he notes that he ‘mainly posts data analysis on YTFC and the National League’.
His recent focus has been on the finances of the club, who were bought by Yeovil-based businessman Martin Hellier in May 2023. The club’s accounts, released on Friday, showed that it had lost almost £2.8million in the National League last season.
The letter to Hooper began: ‘Following a thorough review of your recent conduct on the social media platform X, we are writing to inform you that, as a result of your negative comments and remarks regarding Yeovil Town Football Club and the Club’s Chairman, the decision has been made to impose a banning order on you.
‘This order prohibits you from attending any matches, events, or entering the premises associated with the Club, with immediate effect.
Yeovil Town chairman Martin Hellier has clashed with supporters since his takeover in 2023
One supporter, Jonathan Hooper, posted an image of a letter he had received from the club informing him that he would be banned from the club for two years
The Glovers, who sit 15th in the National League, released their accounts on Friday which showed a loss of almost £3million
‘Your comments have caused significant disruption and created an environment that is not conducive to the values and reputation of the Club. As such, you are hereby prohibited from entering the Club’s stadium, training facilities, and any other properties associated with Yeovil Town Football Club.
‘This ban will remain in place for a period of 2 years from the date of this letter.
‘We ask that you consider this matter seriously. We trust you understand the severity of this issue and the necessity of maintaining a respectful environment at Yeovil Town Football Club.’
Hellier, who told fans to ‘rejoice’ as the ‘long winter of discord is over’ after completing his takeover has made a habit of extraordinarily combative interactions with supporters on social media.
A local entrepreneur and Glovers supporter, Hellier replaced Scott Priestnall who was repeatedly criticised for his lack of communication during his tenure by supporters.
Hellier, meanwhile, has struggled to resist biting back at fans who criticise him.
In one shocking post in 2023, he wrote: ‘A small minority of fans does not represent the majority. They were not legitimate questions. I would not change my principles I was born with for a business David Coates.
‘Even when John Clancy endorsed me you could acknowledge it. THREE PLEBS? Three cowards. You’ve chosen your course.
‘I invite everything fan giving me this shot for which I lose £100,000 a month for to follow another club. I’ll see the season out, and f*** you.’
