Owls chiefs may sue fans' website

The club have asked for the details of fans who posted messages on the Owlstalk website about chairman Dave Allen and his board.

A statement on Sheffield Wednesday’s website said: “A fan site has consistently been used as a forum for the posting of untrue and damaging statements about the club.

“The club’s lawyers (K&L Gates) have written to the operator of that site regarding his involvement in the publication of those statements and asking for information about the individuals that have made those statements.

“We are considering the response from his lawyers and are taking advice on the appropriate action to be taken.

“The club expects and welcomes comment from its supporters, but when those comments include false and misleading allegations and accusations, the club will need to take action to protect its reputation and the reputation of its directors.”

Darryl Keys, chairman of fans’ group Wednesdayite, said he has been left with a large bill after taking legal advice when the club threatened action which was later dropped.

He is now asking the club to reimburse him his legal costs but said he has not yet received a response.

Mr Keys said: “People go on message boards because they feel passionate about the club – and whatever their opinion at the end of the day we’re all Wednesday.”

Owlstalk owner Neil Hargreaves has been threatened with legal action if he fails to disclose the full names and addresses of 34 fans who made comments on the site.

Mr Hargreaves and others set up a fighting fund of 13,000, most of which has been spent on legal fees.

He said: “We intend to fight this all the way although I feel the club would be better off concentrating on other matters.”