MP steps into Grays and FA Stestanovich row
1:44pm Tuesday 13th May 2008
THURROCK MP Andrew Mackinlay has stepped into the row between Grays Athletic and the Football Association over shamed footballer Ashley Sestanovich by raising the issue in the House of Commons.
Sestanovich was jailed last year for his part in a robbery that ended in the death of a man who tried to stop the raid. At the time of his arrest in connection with the crime, he had just joined Grays Athletic and had played briefly in just one pre-season match.
He was immediately sacked by Grays, who were stunned by an FA ruling that they have to pay him around £14,000 in wages accrued while he was awaiting trial.
Grays chairman Mike Woodward has vowed not to pay the money and the issue is still awaiting resolution after the club won the right to appeal for a second time.
Now Mr Mackinlay has quizzed the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport Andy Burnham over the issue.
He said: "Will the Secretary of State send for the papers about the dispute between the Football Association and Grays Athletic football club?
"Mindful that footballers should be role models, Grays dismissed from its football squad a player who was involved in and convicted of armed robbery, only to have the full force of the Football Association require performance of the contract.
"However, any employer has the right to dismiss someone who has brought its firm, game or team into disrepute.
"Will the Secretary of State look at the papers, as I believe that there is a political and Government dimension to the case?
"Grays Athletic stood up for having role models and for the quality and reputation of the game, whereas the Football Association has been unreasonable and has ignored that responsibility."
The minister said he was not aware of the case but added: "I will look at the papers if he will make them available to me.
"However, I point out that, as part of its national game strategy, which was launched recently, the FA has placed great store in the Respect campaign, which encourages players to show respect on and off the pitch, particularly to match officials.
"That is an example of the FA putting its house in order."