FoBC press release - 30 January 2003
Savage blasts Craig warning
Friends of Bootham Crescent (FoBC) spokesperson Ian Savage has reacted angrily to comments made to him by Douglas Craig at today’s AGM of Bootham Crescent Holdings (BCH).
During the meeting, Craig singled Savage out, and accused him of organising and instigating a group of hooligans. When challenged, Mr Craig clarified this by claiming that FoBC had arranged a demonstration against the BCH directors at the previous, adjourned AGM on December 16th, and that as Mr Savage was "Chairman" of FoBC, he was guilty of causing trouble. Police were called to that meeting, although it is understood that no arrests were made, and no property was damaged.
Speaking today, Mr Savage blasted Craig’s comments, claiming that they were completely untrue. "Suggestions that I have instigated hooliganism are not only extremely hurtful, but also potentially damaging to my reputation. Quite apart from this, they are also totally without foundation." He commented.
Mr Savage went on to point out that several of Craig’s comments were incorrect. "FoBC is a small group of concerned individuals who are actively campaigning to safeguard the future of York City and its ground. We do not have a chairman, and my position is simply to act as a spokesperson, along with others, for the group. The demonstration outside the previous BCH AGM on December 16th was not in fact organised by FoBC at all, it was arranged by an individual supporter acting independently. FoBC were on record at that time, asking demonstrators who did go along, to act in a peaceful and law-abiding manner. Those demonstrators who attended certainly were not hooligans, and although the police were called at one point there were no arrests made, nor was any person assaulted or threatened with any such assault."
Mr Savage also commented on the irony of recent reports that Mr Craig himself had threatened legal action against supporters who had made comments which he considered to be defamatory. "Craig has complained bitterly about certain people saying things which he claimed would injure his reputation, and suggested that he would possibly pursue legal action against those people. Perhaps he should think very carefully about some of the comments he himself is making, because making the kind of allegations he has made today without any substance at all, is a very serious matter."
Finally, Mr Savage hit back at Craig’s warning that any further ‘hooligan’ activities would lead to an immediate termination of negotiations between BCH and potential buyers of the football club. "FoBC will continue to actively campaign for what we believe is right, in a law abiding manner, and Craig has no right to stop us doing so. Threats of this nature have become a common thread in his public statements over the last few years, and now it seems I am his latest target. However, I will not be silenced, and I will not be bullied by his threats and false allegations."