Another sign that internet message boards (and therefore blog comments boxes) are no longer off limits for libel lawyers: The Coventry City fanzine GMK’s message board owner is being sued by the club.
As well as being appalling PR from Coventry to treat their fans like this, they also appear to be being very unreasonable:
On Friday 19 November 2004 I received a letter from a firm of solicitors acting on behalf of the Chairman And Board Of Directors of Coventry City Football Club (Holdings) Limited.
This letter claimed that a single word contained in a message posted on the GMKonline.com Messageboard on Friday 12 November 2004 constituted a “gross libel” against the Chairman and others at CCFC.
This word was not written by me, but by a genuine and concerned supporter. Furthermore, the post was removed from the Messageboard as soon as it was drawn to my attention – just three hours after it was posted.
The fanzine has launched a financial appeal.
Hat Tip: Clarets Mad