Everton-supporting MP Chris Matheson reveals dismay at Goodison snubThe season-ticket holder says he was upset at suggestions he is 'anti-Everton'MP Chris Matheson has spoken of his dismay at being prevented from speaking at an Everton Shareholders Association event at Goodison Park.
The Chester MP, who is a Blues season-ticket holder, was scheduled to appear at the forum tomorrow evening , until shareholders were informed that his presence meant the club would no longer host the event.
Mr Matheson says he decided to withdraw to spare the club and shareholders further "embarrassment" but said he was unhappy at suggestions he has an 'anti-Everton' agenda.
Last October Mr Matheson accused controversial retail tycoon Sir Philip Green of once being a shadow director of Everton.
He made the allegation during a Culture, Media and Sport Committee on the governance of football.
Earlier today the Shareholders Association issued a statement explaining why tomorrow's forum had been switched to the Winslow Hotel pub.
Everton chief executive Robert Elstone
It said that the decision came after a conversation between Mr Matheson and Blues chief executive Robert Elstone.
Mr Matheson told the ECHO that he was upset at the circumstances surrounding the late objection, and had intended to discuss issues around disability in stadiums and homophobia in football, as well as football governance.
He added that he still hopes to resolve the matter with Mr Elstone.
He said: "Obviously I was disappointed that the invitation was withdrawn and I felt it it was the right thing to withdraw myself and save further embarrassment for the shareholders and the club.
"I take particular exception to allegations that I am 'anti-Everton' though, considering that I am a fourth generation Evertonian on both sides of my family and attended my first game at the age of three in 1971.
"I had been planning to talk about some of the work carried out by the select committee; particularly on football governance and the FA structures in place. I also wanted to talk about the reports about homophobia in sport and especially disability access to stadiums, bearing in mind discussion about a possible new stadium for the Blues in the future.
"I was grateful that the chief executive returned my call to discuss his reservations and although we disagreed, I hope to meet with him soon to get to know each other better."
The forum will go ahead tomorrow from 7pm, with Alan Myers, journalist and former Head of Communications at Everton, as guest speaker.
The Shareholders’ Association holds a number of free forums for its members throughout the year.
Although the forums are free to attend for members, they also welcome anyone to attend who has an interest. There is no entrance fee but attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for the Foodbank.
Liv Echo
