Luton boss out of order – apology given

After the final whistle at the Lamb Ground Tamworth, tempers spilled over and Hatters boss Richard Money took exception to a portion of the crowd who had booed Pavel Besta as he was substituted.

This would appear to be because a glaring error gifted Danny Thomas with the Lambs’ second goal.

Whilst I believe that the fans reaction to the player was out of order, so was what followed with Money overreacting and confronting some members of the crowd.

We have had enough problems with the FA over crowd problems and the last thing we need now is an official of the club behaving like this. I understand his passion for the club and his group of players but he must learn to treat unfair comments from fans as unworthy of his response.

However, it would be nice if he tried to engage more with the fans when things are going right. His aloof manner doesn’t always sit well with the fans especially when he refuses to acknowledge them when they sing his name.

I don’t know how much of the incident he really regrets or whether he was ordered to apologise, but apologise he did. The club made the following announcement on their official website:

‘After the Hatters’ 3-1 loss at Tamworth yesterday and Richard Money’s subsequent altercation with supporters, the Luton Town boss would like to apologise for his conduct to all Hatters.

‘Richard Money said: ‘Yesterday, I over-reacted and was wrong to do so. There are no two ways about it and I should know better.

‘I would like to unreservedly apologise to those supporters who were on the receiving end of my frustrations after the game and I’d be happy to provide that apology in person to anyone who personally felt directly upset by my comments.

‘Whilst I have no excuses for my behaviour towards a few, I allowed my frustrations get the better of me and most certainly shouldn’t have done so. The last few days at the club have been very emotional.

‘For everyone to see someone leave after such a long period of committed service was upsetting.

‘When I heard some of the things being directed at our players I wrongly erupted instead of ignoring it, as I should have done. I suppose it touched a nerve and brought to the forefront of my mind when even players are verbally abused by a minority.

‘It reminded me of when some were being over-critical of Matthew Barnes-Homer without giving him a chance and when his father was gravely ill.

‘Yesterday, I had a brand new player trying his damndest, in a scrappy game in a foreign environment to him so I snapped when I should have been bigger and more professional.

‘We can all see what happens to certain players like Jake Howells and Matthew when they carry so much confidence and I’m desperate to maintain the spirit we have in the squad because this is such a hard league to get out of.

‘That said, I understand that such comments are only made by a small minority and I accept the vast majority of our fans are incredibly supportive, loyal and committed, for which I am very grateful, as are my coaches and players.

‘For the benefit of those supporters, I have no excuses for the intensity of my actions yesterday and I appreciate that I will have to learn to temper my frustrations under such circumstances in future and ignore the minority who may continue to abuse our players and show more respect to the supportive element who may have mistakenly been in the firing line yesterday.

‘Everyone here at the Club prides themselves on how we treat our supporters and I know I have let people down for which I’m sorry and I won’t let it happen again.

‘Luton Town is important to me – I love it here and I’m 100% committed and confident that we are capable of winning this league this season, starting tomorrow at home to Hayes & Yeading.’

Luton Town managing director Gary Sweet also commented on yesterday’s events.

He said: ‘Whilst I wasn’t close to the off-pitch incident yesterday all members of the board were very concerned and surprised that an official of Luton Town behaved in such a way particularly as it was so out of character and not in the spirit of how we want ambassadors and officials to act at any time.

‘As well as myself, Stephen Browne and other shareholders discussed the situation with a number of supporters both at the game yesterday and since, as well as talking to Richard about the events in some detail.

‘We are dealing with any verified issues of dissatisfaction with those supporters personally, directly and in confidence.

‘Richard is a passionate and proud football manager who wears his heart on his sleeve. Whilst, as Richard respectfully admits, his conduct lacked the dignity and decorum we expect and insist upon from every member of staff towards all supporters we must acknowledge that it is a single-minded character such as his that will get Luton Town promoted this season.

‘That does not mean we condone him overstepping the mark and Richard is clear on what we expect, but we must all realise and appreciate that we are not going to get what we all want without Richard Money.

‘What is of paramount importance is that we will not achieve this objective without a greater spirit of unity at our club. A club of players, coaches, staff and supporters. We all have a part to play.

‘As genuine and long-standing supporters ourselves we all know football is a game of opinions and frustrations but, mark my words, we shall not be in League Two next season if a certain element of attendees of our games continue to berate individual players with the venom we have witnessed.

‘I have looked Richard in the eye and I can assure you that he is genuinely remorseful for what happened yesterday and he knows it showed a lack of respect to the majority of genuine supporters that follow us through thick and thin.

‘On behalf of the board, I’d like to put this issue to bed, allow us to sensitively deal with those affected and positively focus on football and appeal to everyone; players, staff and supporters, to get behind the team tomorrow to get our promotion charge back on track.’

Nice one Gary!