Stadium dispute worsens at relegated football club

Glanford Park (Credit: Bill Boaden / Creative Commons)

Scunthorpe United has said “there is no need for concern” despite a dispute between the club’s current and former owners worsening.

Signs have been put up at the club’s home ground, Glanford Park, which say “any attempt to enter the premises is a criminal offence contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Law Act 1977”.

This part of the 1977 Act is typically used to prevent illegal eviction and harassment by landlords.

Last week Scunthorpe United said it had instructed barristers after it was given notice to pay the stadium owner and former club chairman Peter Swann £3m or quit its Glanford Park home by May 24.

At the same time Scunthorpe United’s current owner David Hilton, who acquired the club in January, confirmed plans for a new stadium. The club plans to stay at Glanford Park until that is built.

Hilton said he was no longer on speaking terms with Swann.

Scunthorpe United dropped out of the Football League last year and were relegated again this season, and will now play in National League North.

In a statement issued last night, Scunthorpe United said the signs were meant as a deterrent for anyone “acting outside the parameters of the law”.

It said: “The club currently hold a lease for Glanford Park and have a legal right to operate from the premises. The club have not changed any locks and will remain at the property for the foreseeable future.”

The club added that it hopes “to reach an amicable agreement with the freehold owner in due course”.

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