AFC WIMBLEDON’S managing director quit after a hidden bug recorded him making vile sexist and abusive comments about a colleague, who he called a “f***ing s**g” he wanted to “murder”.
The League Two club confirmed on September 4 Danny Macklin would leave his post four days later.
No reason was given for his sudden departure at the time but they simply thanked him for his “hard work” in the role in a brief 62-word statement.
But now The Times report Macklin resigned because he was exposed by a hidden recorder placed in his office by a club security officer.
Macklin, 42, was caught talking about wanting to remove ticketing manager Rebeca Markham from her job.
He called ex-Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham employee Markham a “f***ing s**t”, a “f***ing b****” and a “f***ing s**g” in a horrendous onslaught.
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In one recording released by The Times, Macklin was heard saying to two female colleagues, “I f***ing want to put her [Markham] through a f***ing window.
“I’ve never wanted to kill someone, but I’d like to kill her. F***ing slut.
“I don’t think I’ve ever hated anyone more in my life. Someone has got to punch her in the face.”
He also added: “Ah, s**t, f***ing b****.
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“I’d like to put her through a f***ing window.
“I f***ing want to murder her… I f***ing hate her… f***ing s**g.”
The comments came just two months after Macklin and Markham had been part of AFC Wimbledon’s involvement in the Her Game Too campaign to fight sexism in football.
Then, Macklin had said: “We welcome initiatives that encourage more girls and women to attend our games, or take part in activities.
“The repeated use of chants that are not family-friendly will prevent us from attracting new fans.”
However, the ex-Leyton Orient CEO – who also worked as commercial director at Southend United and Essex County Cricket Club – left his job after the clandestine device caught his expletive-laden, derogatory rant.
ROYAL THREAT
British army veteran Matthew Wells planted the bug amid concerns about the alleged abuse of staff at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The 57-year-old, who joined the army aged 16 and served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, threatened to take the recording to the Prince of Wales if AFC Wimbledon failed to act.
Wells met Prince William, president of the Football Association, in the army.
He told a friend: “I couldn’t believe what I heard. The way he was talking about Rebecca was terrible.
“I think the club has responded properly. When they had the evidence, they acted quickly.
“I think Danny was under a lot of pressure at work but that does not excuse the comments.”
Macklin posted a lengthy parting message thanking colleagues and supporters after ten months at AFC Wimbledon.
He then posted on LinkedIn that he is going to spend “much-needed time with my young family before taking my next challenge”.
AFC Wimbledon denied they had covered up Macklin’s alleged disgusting behaviour after The Times revealed the shocking recording.
‘UNACCEPTABLE AND UTTERLY INAPPROPRIATE’
The South-West London club – who returned to Plough Lane in 2020 – said: “AFC Wimbledon strives to be a responsible, inclusive and modern fan-owned club.
“As such, it takes its obligation to act properly and set an example, as well as its duty of care towards employees and fans, extremely seriously.
“Behaviour such as that being alleged was and is not tolerated, nor is it representative of the culture at the club.
“Once we became aware of the matter we acted appropriately in accordance with our responsibilities and values to promptly resolve it. For legal reasons we are not able to say more.”
A club official added: “What was said would have been unacceptable in any era and is utterly inappropriate for today.”
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Markham declined to comment while Macklin refused to address the recording when approached by The Times.
He said: “For legal reasons I make no comment.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
