Court rules that Craig Kline must pay 100k in damages over false claims

[Friendsoffulham]

Former FA chief wins damages over online corruption allegations



A judge said Martin Glenn was subjected to a 'prolonged' attack by Craig Kline, a former assistant director of football at Fulham FC.

x-FA chief executive Martin Glenn has been awarded £100,000 damages after suing a former assistant director of football at Fulham FC for for libel and harassment.

Judge Richard Spearman said Craig Kline had subjected Mr Glenn to a "prolonged" online attack.

The judge said Mr Glenn had sued over a "long series of publications", mainly Twitter posts, between November 2018 and June 2020.

He heard that Mr Glenn had been accused of corruption and covering up child sexual abuse.

Judge Spearman, who is based in London delivered a ruling on Friday after hearings in the High Court.

He heard that the allegations had prompted the FA to launch an inquiry.

Investigators found no evidence of any wrongdoing and said Mr Kline had produced no evidence to support his allegations.

A judge had ruled, at an earlier hearing, that Mr Glenn had been libelled and harassed, after Mr Kline failed to file a defence.

The allegations were very serious, and went to the core elements of the claimant's life
Judge Spearman considered arguments about damages at a hearing in February and delivered his ruling on Friday.

Mr Glenn, who was FA chief executive between March 2015 and August 2019, had told the February hearing that the allegation that he was "complicit in child abuse" was "absolutely terrible" because he was "responsible for the safeguarding of children".

The judge said Mr Kline was assistant director of football and director of statistical research at Fulham between 2014 and 2017.

Mr Glenn said he had never worked with, met or had any dealings with Mr Kline.

He said he knew of "no reason for personal animosity" towards him which might explain Mr Kline's actions.

"The defendant subjected the claimant to a prolonged attack over several months," said Judge Spearman.

"The allegations were very serious, and went to the core elements of the claimant's life.

"They threatened, and indeed may be said to have been designed to threaten, the claimant's livelihood and professional standing; and they resulted not only in an in-depth investigation at the FA but also a continuing need for the claimant to allay the concerns of organisations where he held office.

"It was particularly hurtful and distressing that the claimant was accused, entirely without foundation, of being complicit in covering up child abuse when, in truth, he was concerned to ensure that the FA took safeguarding very seriously."

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/martin-glenn-fulham-fc-twitter-london-b922439.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1614964045

[cmg]

Good.

Although I do think the beard, face paint and buffalo hat suit him pretty well.

[Statto]

Nothing to see here, just normal stuff that happens at every club...

[Fernhurst]

Think Kline may have trouble rustling up a £100k.

He could possibly approach his old buddie  051 junior to get him out of the Kaky di do.

[The Old Count]

Think Kline may have trouble rustling up a £100k.

He could possibly approach his old buddie  051 junior to get him out of the Kaky di do.

He'll be out of luck there.  They've seriously fallen out.
Kline's association with our club has been damaging.  A bad call by TK, letting him be involved in FFC.  But I suspect we've all been guilty of overlooking a mate's bad behaviour. Often to our own detriment.

[H4usuallysitting]

Didn't know he lived in the UK

[SG]

Didn't know he lived in the UK

Apparently they believe he is now somewhere in Spain according to the paper

[Woolly Mammoth]

Is he on the run ?