Cliftonville Football Club has appealed for supporters to be mindful of their social media posts in the wake of Jim Magilton's appointment as manager.
In an email to its members and season ticket holders under the subject of 'Close Season Supporters Update', the Reds said while there has been "healthy discussion" online it is important that such discussions do not cross into "unfounded assertions of a personal nature".
A section of the Cliftonville fanbase has voiced its dissatisfaction online following Magilton's appointment.
Read next: Billy Bingham is up there with the likes of Guardiola says Martin O'Neill
In the email, which has been passed on to Belfast Live Sport and also deals with other club business, the club say the fans’ passion and love for the Reds is something that must always be "embraced and harnessed", however it added that some have "crossed the line" into deeply offensive territory.
The club said it was "duty-bound to address libellous content in the strongest possible terms" and reminded fans that such contributions could lead to action being taken by, among others, the social media outlets themselves.
The club said the reputational damage to Cliftonville and the the wider impact of such discourse has on an entire family "is deeply unfair".
It added that while it was "disappointing" having to issue this plea, it is aware that the vast majority of supporters have been able to "amicably discuss" various recent developments "without crossing the line".
The email said: "It has, of course, been a busy period for the Club following the appointment of Jim Magilton as our Manager and we are naturally looking forward to the new season with him at the helm.
"We are aware that there has been a lot of healthy discussion among supporters on social media regarding our Manager’s appointment and, while everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is important that such discussions do not cross into unfounded assertions of a personal nature.
"Football is an emotional obsession and Cliftonville fans’ passion and love for the Club is something that must always be embraced and harnessed, however we have been disappointed to see that some supporters have crossed the line into deeply offensive territory, to the extent that our social media volunteers have been forced to moderate and remove a number of libellous comments.
"These posts have been deleted for the benefit of the individuals submitting them, in order to protect against defamation breaches. We are duty-bound to address libellous content in the strongest possible terms and feel compelled to remind our fans that such contributions could lead to action being taken by, among others, the social media outlets themselves.
"As well as the reputational damage this causes to Cliftonville Football Club, individuals are asked to consider the wider impact of such discourse. While you might think you are targeting one person by making offhand comments – whether in jest or otherwise – please take into consideration that an entire family, including young children, are being stigmatised and affected. It goes without saying that this is deeply unfair.
"It is disappointing that the Club feels it necessary to make such a plea, however we are aware that the vast majority of our supporters have been able to amicably discuss various recent developments, and voice their own legitimate opinions, without crossing the line into such territory.
"The Cliftonville fanbase has always had many interests, personalities and views but one thing that has always united us is our collective desire for the Club to succeed and that is just one of the many reasons we are looking forward to welcoming you back for the 2023/24 season."
READ NEXT:
- Michael O'Neill compares new boy Lee Bonis to former Irish League star
Premier League giants confirmed for special SuperCupNI Elite section
Billy Bingham is up there with the likes of Guardiola says Martin O'Neill
Ex-Coleraine star ready to 'level up' after signing new Kilmarnock deal
Sign up to our f ree sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
