Billingham Town FC under FA investigation for viral posts

Billingham Town FC posted to social media on Saturday (July 25) suggesting a fan who ordered a strawberry daiquiri in a pub, "with the lads, on a matchday," would be "banned for life" and had been “reported to the Northern League, The FA, and Cleveland Police”.

A follow-up post seen by the Echo, which has since been taken down, said the club had planned a "public trial" of the fan as "half-time entertainment", and was shared with what appeared to be an AI-generated image of gallows on the pitch.

But the club, which says the post was part of an "ongoing light-hearted narrative" about the fan's daiquiri drinking, said it was "proud that our recent content has brought smiles to millions of people around the world".

The Durham FA confirmed it is investigating the matter.

John Topping, chief executive of Durham County FA, said: "Durham County FA has been made fully aware of the postings published in the account of Billingham Town FC and the individuals who have added comments to those postings.

"We have also received correspondence from The FA, members of the public and also from organisations who provide support to people who have lost loved ones through suicide and, more concerningly, from the families in that position.

"On Monday (July 27), I contacted Billingham Town FC and instructed them to remove the unsavoury photograph and they did so, this has however, not stopped the image from going worldwide.

"We have today issued a copy of the images, postings and other correspondence to the club for their comments, following which we will be taking advice on the next steps.

"We have responded to those who provided correspondence and informed them of our actions to date."

The post was slammed as "absolutely appalling" by local charities.

One foundation said in a statement: "This is absolutely appalling by Billingham Town FC, a club that has supported our charity to help with football and to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

"This is why people don't reach out because of stuff like this. Whoever wrote the post has clearly never been affected by suicide."

Billingham Town FC said the post did not refer to suicide or mental health and offered its support to the charity.

A spokesperson said: "At no point did our social media post make any reference to suicide or mental health, nor was it ever intended to infer any such meaning.

"Billingham Town FC has always been, and remains, a strong supporter of mental health awareness and the fantastic organisations that work tirelessly to support those in need.

"It would be completely contrary to our values to intentionally publish content that undermines those causes.

"While the overwhelming majority of people have understood the intended humour and supported the campaign, one mental health charity that we support expressed concerns about a small element of the running theme.

"Out of respect for that charity and the valuable work they do, we chose to remove that specific part of the narrative. This decision was made solely as a gesture of goodwill towards an organisation we value and support, not because we accept the interpretation that has been suggested by others."

The club said fan was fully aware of the campaign and was “delighted to see his story helping to generate such positive attention for our football club" after it racked up more than 25 million views.

Billingham Town FC said it remains committed to supporting charities and hopes to use the recent global attention generated by the posts to raise awareness for "worthwhile causes."

If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

- Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58