AFC Wimbledon boss resigns after secret recording revealed sexist comments about colleague

Former AFC Wimbedon managing director Danny McLean Photo: PA/Geoff Moore

The football club's managing director quits his job after a mistake was hidden in his office, recorded him calling a female colleague «s-t» and «s-g» and joking about killing her.

Danny McLean made offensive comments towards Rebecca Markham, AFC Wimbledon player's head of customer support and ticketing, two months after both publicly announced their intention to tackle sexism as part of the 'Her Game Too' campaign.

< p>He was caught after a British man planted a hidden recording device in his office. An army veteran and ex-convict who works as a security officer for a League Two club.

Matthew Wells then threatened to report the matter by contacting the Prince of Wales, President of the Football Association, who was also serving in the army.

In the recording, McLean can be heard discussing with two female colleagues how to proceed. get rid of Markham, who has worked for Premier League clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, West Ham United and Fulham.

He said: “I bloody want to spend her through horror.» —— window . . . I never wanted to kill anyone, but I would like to kill her. Damn it.

He also said, “I fucking want to kill her. . . I fucking hate her. . . f—— s-g.”

McLean, a former chief executive of Leyton Orient and commercial director of Southend United and Essex County Cricket Club, refused to discuss his conduct when contacted by The Times. , saying: “For legal reasons, I am not commenting.”

He previously wrote on LinkedIn: “My immediate focus will be on spending some much-needed time with my young family before moving on to the next one.” a challenge in which I hope to use my experience, knowledge and leadership skills to achieve success, wherever that may be.»

Before leaving, the 42-year-old appealed to his supporters not to sing sexist songs, saying: «Reusing chants that are not suitable for the whole family will prevent us from attracting new fans.»

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AFC Wimbledon announced McLean's departure earlier this month, but made no mention of the saga during the recording session, saying only: «We appreciate the hard work he has put in as well as his dedication to the club.» and wish him all the best for the future.”

But after his comments were made public, they released a statement saying: “This behavior is alleged to have been both unacceptable and does not reflect the culture of the club. As soon as we became aware of the problem, we acted appropriately, consistent with our responsibilities and values, to resolve it quickly. For legal reasons we cannot say more.”

Wells, 57, reportedly identified the error after becoming concerned about alleged abuse of staff and warning a club spokesman he would speak out if his concerns were not substantiated. addressed.

The veteran served in every major conflict since the Falkland Islands before being jailed for six years in 2009 after his AK-47 accidentally discharged during a confrontation with his regimental quartermaster over what he believed was mistreatment of a female soldier.

He is said to have believed he acted «nobly» by disclosing McLean's private conversation to club officials in order to protect a vulnerable member of staff.