I normally just read this board, and have only recently joined as a member, but felt compelled to tell as many football fans as possible about this. Sorry that this isn't Leeds related but I thought that all football fans should know just what is happening down at Hillsborough. I'm a Sheff Wed fan by the way. Dave Allen is suing on his own behalf, as well as the club's behalf, 39 fans for posts on www.owlstalk.co.uk. Bear in mind that at a press conference in the summer, Allen referred to fans as "cretins", "scum", and even called one lady a "venemous bitch" because at the AGM she delivered a speech that asked him to embrace the fans, rather than constantly fight against them.

This is taken from another forum:

On todays Radio Sheffield (linked below) the current goings on at the club have been highlighted finnally by the media. Included in this at the lunchtime news the Club have confirmed they are sueing one fan for £50k.

And there is also a list of a further 39 or so to be later sued upon gaining information.

Below is a link to a show this morning where the whole business is discussed, plus a quote from one person that the club is wanting to sue, and I believe the letter from the fan is the best way of descibing what has gone on that my mish mash of a post.

"I sent this on Monday ....


Dear Sir,

I am one of the many Sheffield Wednesday supporters that the club is looking to sue. If nobody in particular and the other board members get their way, I face bankruptcy, losing my home and jeopardising my 7 year old son's future.

What could I possibly have written on a internet messageboard that could trigger such a fierce retaliation? I expressed an opinion that the club's activity in the transfer market was not as genuine as it appeared. I used no foul language, I merely expressed my genuinely held opinion.. I named no-one. Yet apparently, this constitutes defamation. I am also aware of another life long supporter of the club who is subject to possible legal action for suggesting that Chris Brunt would be sold and that we would have a poor start to the season. Both of which are now evidently correct.

Is this what Sheffield Wednesday have now stooped to ? Is there really such tyranny in the boardroom that any dissent amongst the paying customers is met with such excessive action ?

I am advised that if all of the defamation action against the supporters of this club comes to fruition, it will cost the club in the region of £8 million pounds. To what end ? Are the club really going to spend that much money to pursue targets that have little or no money in a bid just to stifle any questioning of their handling of matters in the boardroom ? The action cannot be taking place for financial gain. It is merely bullying and intimidation.

Supporters of the club should be made aware of this. How would fans feel that £8 million pounds is available for these lawsuits, yet we cannot afford to strengthen a team that , given the progress made on the field last season, should easily be challenging for promotion this year ? If supporters knew that this is where their money was being channelled , would there be an outcry ? Would there be fewer attendees ? I guess it's not possible to speculate as supporting a football club is generally a matter of the heart and it is difficult to switch off one's passion but I am aware of many supporters who will no longer contribute to the club to fund such a repugnant course of action.

I am copying this letter to the Football League and the FA as I feel that the actions taken by the Sheffield Wednesday directors are harming football in general. Damaging the product. Football has long been a game of opinions and if Sheffield Wednesday get their way and proceed with legal action against 40 paying customers, it will rip the heart out of football in this country.

I implore you to investigate and report on these actions. As journalists, it is your duty to get to the truth and to report accurately on exactly what is transpiring in our football club. Recent articles show a disgraceful bias toward the club. nobody in particular will not be chairman of Sheffield Wednesday for ever, but the fans will always be here and you should bear that in mind when you publish letters and stories without getting a proper balance.

Unfortunately, I cannot provide my name or address as nobody in particular is unaware of my details, he needs these to proceed with legal action against me and, despite the clubs crippling debt, he continues to spend the clubs money to acquire them.

If you have any sense of fairness, you will print this letter, but given the current levels of sycophancy towards the club, you will appreciate that I harbour doubts as to whether you will."

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/owler/Pics/tf.mp3 - the BBC Radio Sheffield Report

Another User been sueds quote

"Can I just add that I too am one of the supporters the club is looking to sue, but what is different to Vaughan in my case, is that (this is how I understand it anyway) the club do not have a specific post relating to any comments I have made, however, they have demanded access to Owlstalk postings from me over the last 12 months, probably so they can try to find something to cite me for.

So let me run that by you again.

- They have nothing on me.

- Want to find something.

- So have demanded to see my posts over the last 12 months.

I am also in the same position as Vaughan in that I too could face bankruptcy, losing my home and jeopardising my 4 year old daghter's future. And for what, they seemingly don't even appear to have a specific post to cite me for!!!

Brilliant letter by the way Vaughan."


Obviously I personnaly feel ashamed that my club is doing this and knowing that my money that i used to pay for my season ticket is going towards this action is just sickoning.

Just wondered what other fans views were on this?!?!

(btw...the phrase "nobody in paticular" is in referrence to Dave Allen Club Chairman but the site the quote came from has been forced into using the swear filter to block that name).

source: http://www.waccoe.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=103986&st=0

-------------------
up, charm, top, down, strange, bottom

My Dad fought a war so that we can say what we want within reason.

you do not mess with Jack Reacher

From Manchester with love

The PB for Mod pledges: Cloudyshin O'Watra, ESM, MSTB, Squidge, Buff, Noddy the Bolton Blue, Spiderpig, Emigre, The Ghost of Gibbi, Bill, Danny's Stud's, Shimmer.

I know what you mean.

All I can say is it's a pleasure to know that as City supporters we can have no fear of legal action from our club for anything we might say or do.

We might find ourselves buried in a unmarked grave but at least our houses are safe.

The PB for Mod pledges: Cloudyshin O'Watra, ESM, MSTB, Squidge, Buff, Noddy the Bolton Blue, Spiderpig, Emigre, The Ghost of Gibbi, Bill, Danny's Stud's, Shimmer.

No you're not. Just shows what a joke their chairman is.

I hope they all get taken to court. Would make great press.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Stop being dandy, showing me you're handsome!