Northern Premier League chairman relieved of his duties subject to an investigation

Northern Premier League chairman Mark Harris has been removed from his position pending a full disciplinary investigation.

The move follows an allegation that he replied with an abusive phrase to an FC United of Manchester supporter, who had emailed criticising the decision to relocate one of the club’s key end-of-season fixtures.

On Tuesday, the league confirmed it had switched FC United’s home match against Stockton Town to Curzon Ashton on 21 April, after the fixture had been postponed six times due to pitch issues at Broadhurst Park.

It comes despite FC United playing at home to Hednesford Town on Easter Monday.

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Ongoing process

In response, a supporter is understood to have emailed Harris, with the chairman then alleged to have replied in an exchange now at the centre of a Football Association investigation.

The NPL board met on Friday morning to discuss the matter, which is also being examined by the FA.

A statement was then released by the league in the afternoon, which read: “Following a meeting of the board, the Northern Premier League can confirm that chairman Mark Harris has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect, pending a full disciplinary investigation.”

The FA said: “We can confirm that we are investigating this matter. As this is an ongoing process, we are not in a position to provide further comment.”

PICTURE: Alamy

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