Silkmen fans hit out at league over appeal
MACCLESFIELD Town fans are fighting back against the English Football League (EFL), accusing it of a ‘ unfair treatment’ over the club’s points deduction controversy.
Both the Silkmen Supporters Trust and the Silkmen Army have written to the EFL expressing their anger over its appeal against Macc Town’s two point deduction last month over non-payment of wages.
The amount imposed by an independent panel meant the Silkmen remained in League Two at the expense of Stevenage until rival clubs complained and the EFL stepped in.
The fans groups point to other teams - such as Bolton Wanderers - being treated much more generously for similar misdemeanours.
And they say Macc losing 13 points this season across three separate deductions and then final league standings being worked out on points per game was already a double punishment.
They also question whether Macc should have been punished at all for the latest non-payment of wages given coronavirus lockdown had killed matchday revenue.
Majority shareholder Amar AlKadhi’s has been criticised over the failure to pay staff on time, and Andy Worth, from the Silkmen Supporters Trust, said some points deduction had been deserved.
But his letter says: “We have appealed for help on behalf of the fans, players and community, and have found the EFL to be unsympathetic and largely unresponsive. The lack of action on the appeals relating to staff mental health have been particularly galling.
“The last disciplinary hearing held by an Independent Panel against MTFC made their decision after considering all the evidence and this should be respected.
“It is our view that the EFL are inconsistent to say the least.”
It is as yet unclear when the EFL’s appeal will be heard.
The Silkmen Army’s letter states: “Why the much harsher treatment of Macclesfield? Surely a cornerstone of the EFL should be fair treatment of all its member clubs.
“Being unable to pay the players on time (in March) is a totally natural result of not having any of out main source of income for this month. It is understandable at such an unprecedented time.
“Furthermore, as we were only able to play one league game, due to factors out of anyone’s control, it would be absurdly unfair and reprehensible to continue to add sanctions as the same rate as previously.”
Among the League Two clubs complaining are Stevenage, who won only three games all season compared to Macc’s seven and currently sit in the relegation spot out of the EFL.
As things stand the Silkmen are safe in 23rd a point above following the latest deduction.
So an increase because of the appeal could send the club into non-league oblivion.
In an official statement Macclesfield Town said the club was ‘shocked and profoundly disappointed’ at the EFL’s stance.
Upon announcing the appeal last week an EFL spokesman said: “The EFL Board has determined the League will appeal against the outcome of an independent disciplinary commission in respect of misconduct charges brought against Macclesfield Town.
“Those charges related to failing to pay a number of players on the applicable payment dates due in March 2020, failing to act with utmost good faith in respect of matters with the EFL and for breaching an order, requirement, direction or instruction of the League. There will be no further comment at this time.”
The EFL declined to comment further when approached by the Macclesfield Express this week.
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