Non-League Football Chairman Fined Over Gun Photo in Match Programme

A non-league football club’s chairman has received a fine from the FA following the publication of a photograph in the club’s matchday programme, which depicted him holding a substantial firearm. Peter McCormack, owner of Real Bedford, asserted that “no laws were broken” and criticized the FA for its perceived failure to “uphold free speech”. Bedfordshire FA reported that a hearing concluded with a £30 fine for “improper conduct” concerning the image. Additionally, he incurred a distinct fine and a three-match suspension for employing “abusive language” directed at another manager. Mr McCormack shared a statement on X, remarking: “The picture shows me on holiday in America, holding a legally owned gun. The complaint boils down to subjective taste.” The individual, a podcaster, acquired the club in 2021 with the ambition of transforming it into a Premier League team. The club currently competes in the ninth tier of English football and is jointly owned by cryptocurrency investors Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. Mr McCormack commented: “This is the same photo that’s been used all season without issue, until now.” He recounted that a panel member during the FA hearing “asked if I was trying to make guns look ‘cool’.” He contended: “My response? Guns are cool. The misuse of guns is certainly not, but let’s be honest, children play with toy guns, video games like Fortnite dominate their evening, and shooting is an Olympic sport.” The FA verified that it had sustained two accusations of improper conduct, one of which was for “not acting in the best interests of the game” regarding the photograph. Furthermore, Mr McCormack is subject to a three-match prohibition from Real Bedford Ladies games due to his use of “foul and abusive language”. He stated: “This decision by the FA is a prime example of a failure to uphold basic principles of free speech.” He added: “A society where people are penalised for offending someone with a photograph is a society on a dangerous path.” Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.