A businessman involved in the failed ‘hostile takeover’ attempt at Rochdale AFC has been banned from all football grounds in the country.
Andy Curran, who worked as a consultant to Morton House MGT and First Form Construction Ltd as part of a takeover bid this summer, has been sanctioned by the FA over language he used in a meeting about the club.
In a statement released this afternoon (Tuesday, January 11), the FA announced Mr Curran has been ‘suspended immediately from all football and football activity’, this includes a ban from all grounds lasting for 63 days.
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In October last year, the MEN reported on a meeting between the prospective buyers and the Spotland club which turned nasty.
It was alleged Mr Curran called people in Rochdale ‘small minded’ and the club’s current board ‘nancy boys’. It was further claimed that he suggested that any future disputes could be settled in ‘a fight in a boxing ring’.
As well as being banned from football for 63 days, Mr Curran will be required to complete an ‘education programme’, a spokesperson for the FA said.
“Andrew Curran has been suspended immediately from all football and football activity, which includes a ground ban, for 63 days up to and including Wednesday 14 March 2022 following a breach of FA Rule E3,” the FA said in a statement.
“Mr Curran has also been ordered to complete a mandatory face to face education programme.
“The FA alleged that he used improper and/or abusive and/or insulting language, which is contrary to FA Rule E3.1, during a meeting in relation to Rochdale Football Club.
“It was further alleged that the language constitutes an “aggravated breach”, as defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation.
“An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently upheld these allegations and imposed his sanction. Its written reasons for these decisions will be published in due course.”
In response to the statement, a spokesperson Rochdale AFC said: “Rochdale AFC welcomes the outcome, as we are wholly committed to being an inclusive and anti-discriminatory football club, working closely with the FA, EFL and Kick It Out.”
The takeover bid eventually collapsed with current chairman Simon Gauge hailing a ‘bright future’ for the club.
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