Macclesfield FC owner suspended following arrest

Macclesfield FC owner suspended following arrest24 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleGeorgie Docker,North WestandPhil McCann,North WestBBCRobert Smethurst, 48, has been "temporarily relieved of his duties", the club saidThe owner of Macclesfield FC has been suspended following his arrest on suspicion of a coercive control offence.Robert Smethurst was arrested in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on 19 May on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour.In a statement, the National League North club said it was "aware of reports circulating" and the 48-year-old had "temporarily been relieved of all duties associated with the club while legal guidance is sought".Asked to comment by the BBC, Smethhurst confirmed his arrest and said the allegations against him had been "an absolute load of rubbish".He added: "I'm absolutely gutted, devastated. I want my club back."I love the people that have supported me. All I can ask is that they support me through this time. "I hope the whole of Macclesfield gets behind me and we pull together and put me back into a position where I feel that I actually belong."Cheshire Constanbulary said: "On Tuesday 19 May a 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour in Wilmslow."He has since been bailed pending further enquiries."'Unsettling'Macclesfield's statement, released on behalf of its board of directors, said: "Macclesfield FC are aware of reports circulating regarding the position of Robert Smethurst within the football club."In light of these, Mr Smethurst has temporarily been relieved of all duties associated with the club whilst legal guidance is sought."With this in mind, it would be improper to divulge any further information at this time."Whereas we can completely and unequivocally understand that these reports will be unsettling, the board of directors would like to assure everyone...