Northern Premier League chairman Mark Harris has been relieved of his duties pending an investigation into an allegation he sent an abusive email to an FC United of Manchester fan over a controversial decision to change the venue for a crucial end-of-season game.
The allegation centres around Harris’ response to an email from FC United supporter Aled Duckfield, complaining about the NPL’s decision to switch the location of FC United’s match with Stockton Town to nearby Curzon Ashton on 21 April.
The game has been postponed on six occasions due to pitch issues at FC United’s Broadhurst Park ground.
In his email to Harris, Duckfield called the decision “diabolical” and accused the NPL of “incompetence” and a “lack of governance”.
Harris’ alleged reply contained abusive language aimed at Duckfield, who said he was “shocked” by the response.
The NPL Board met to discuss the matter, which is also the subject of a Football Association investigation, on Friday morning.
“Following a meeting of the Board, the Northern Premier League can confirm that Chairman Mark Harris has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect, pending a full disciplinary investigation,” said an NPL spokesperson.
Harris has refused to comment on the alleged email, but Sport has been told he reported himself to the FA.
The FA said: “We can confirm that we are investigating this matter. As this is an ongoing process, we are not in a position to provide further comment.”
Harris is a hugely respected figure within non-league circles.
He was appointed NPL chairman in 2009. He also serves on the FA’s National Leagues Pyramid Board.
FC United argue the decision to move the match against Stockton could affect their title chances – they would go top if they win their game in hand – and also affects them significantly from a financial perspective.
The club lost at Broadhurst Park to title rival Hednesford Town on Monday and have a further league match, a local derby against Hyde United on 18 April, which has not been moved.
The NPL feel they cannot afford to risk a postponement given the season ends on 25 April and the outstanding game has significant implications for both the title and play-off pictures.
FC United suggested having a pitch inspection at Broadhurst Park the day before the game and switching if the surface was deemed unplayable or the match was at risk. This was rejected by NPL.
Gainsborough Trinity and Warrington Rylands, who are involved in a battle for play-off positions with Stockton, have also told the NPL they have ‘serious concerns’ at the game being moved.
There has been no indication the NPL will switch the match back again, and the issue is regarded as separate to the allegations against Harris.
“The language used in the email attributed to the NPL Chair is clearly completely unacceptable – however it is reflective of the attitude that so many involved in the governance of the game have towards supporters,” said an FC United spokesperson.
“It also raises fundamental questions among supporters about whether decisions involving FC United can be approached with the true impartiality that the role demands. On the face of this email, many will be understandably concerned.
“We will be seeking urgent clarification from the Northern Premier League.”
