Yeovil Town FC Chairman Martin Hellier Announces Hunger Strike, Faces Backlash Over Bobby Sands Tribute
Yeovil, Somerset — Martin Hellier, chairman of Yeovil Town FC, has taken to social media to announce a hunger strike, amid a wave of criticism and controversy surrounding his actions and behavior in the community. Hellier’s decision to go on hunger strike has sparked further public outcry, especially after he changed his profile picture to an image of former IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, a move that has upset many within the community yet again.
Hellier has recently faced multiple allegations, including accusations of substance abuse, issuing abusive language toward women, and making offensive remarks about disabled children.
Hellier in abusive text messages to the mother, wished her and her disabled child cancer.
Whilst it not being a one off, Hellier has a string of non contact orders against him from women as well as further non molestation orders goung through the courts at present, one including the mother of Hellier's son, Jack, who is also a Director at the club.
Meanwhile, he's also sent text messages of where he say's he will urinate on deceased persons ashes, whilst also threatening to kill numerous persons and children in the last 18 months.
Reports indicate he is also under investigation by the Football Association (FA) for his conduct, which has led to increased tension among residents and fans alike. These revelations have severely impacted Hellier's reputation in Yeovil, where he has been accused of alienating much of the community through his behavior and online statements.
In what some are seeing as a bid to rally his small base of remaining supporters, Hellier announced his hunger strike on social media. However, the symbolic reference to Bobby Sands, a controversial figure and IRA member who died during a hunger strike in 1981, has only added fuel to the fire, with many locals voicing their displeasure at the comparison.
“Hellier’s latest actions are a distraction and disrespectful to the legacy of our town and its values,” one resident commented. Many have expressed concerns that his continued involvement in Yeovil Town FC is detrimental to the club’s image, calling on the FA to take action.
The FA’s investigation into Hellier’s conduct remains ongoing, as residents and fans await potential disciplinary measures. As Yeovil Town FC faces pressure from its community, the call for accountability grows louder, with many hoping for a resolution that restores dignity and trust within the club.
Meanwhile, many feel it's just another cry for sympathy whilst citing it as a trait of a narcissist character, with one fan telling Global, ' He's threatened suicide on a monthly basis - he's still here, now it's a hunger strike, as the suicide attention notion has worn thin.
He calls for police assistance, but of course they know his character, his actions and are currently compiling cases against him, it's all over for Hellier, even if he eats a piece of toast!'
It also comes at a time, when a local poll in Yeovil revealed 92% of the market town in South Somerset, didn't feel he was fit to be running a football club.
Local MP Adam Dance is also being called into the situation as his constituents call for Hellier to be removed from laying wreaths at the up and coming Remembrance service in the town.