Source: Daily_Mail
Glazers sue Manchester United fan after web leak of corporate clients
The Glazers' reputation at Manchester United is set to take another battering after it emerged the club are suing one supporter who took action to oppose the under-fire owners. Lawyers acting for United filed a writ at the High Court accusing Thomas McKenna of damaging their business by publishing names and addresses of hundreds of their corporate clients on the internet. United have accused McKenna, 44, of posting the details in an attempt to stop companies renewing their membership. They believe it was done to put pressure on the Glazers, who have failed to win over fans since taking over at Old Trafford in 2005. Protests: Many fans are opposed to the Glazers' ownership of Manchester United The Barclays Premier League leaders admitted in the writ that they had failed to discover who supplied Mr McKenna with the information despite a lengthy investigation. They have now decided to pursue Mr McKenna for 'losses and damages' they claim to have suffered as a result of the post on the website wewantglazerout.com. The site represents the anti-Glazer group United Supporters for Change. A spokesman for Manchester United said: 'We take data security very seriously therefore we saw this as something important to pursue. We believe this was an attack on private property and significant personal distress.' Unpopular: Malcolm Glazer (right) with sons Joel (left), and Bryan (centre)Mr McKenna declined to comment. Mr McKenna was arrested by Greater Manchester Police in August last year after data relating to the client list was allegedly found in his possession. It is unclear what United can achieve in court as it is often complicated to judge the type of information that was leaked, and to then calculate any damage caused. More fuel to the fire: It emerged this week that Manchester United's parent company had made a ?108.9m loss for the year ending June 30, 2010Johnno Spence, a sports marketing expert at JSC Sports, said: 'It is hard to see how you can put a value on information a researcher could pick up by spending a Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford. 'If this information was worth hundreds of pounds I would be surprised. There is no great secret about who buys corporate boxes.' In April last year, wewantglazerout.com published the list of 400 United corporate clients. An accompanying press release read: 'With the assistance of senior employees of MUFC who oppose the Glazer family's asset stripping of our club, we are today publishing an edited list of the more than 400 companies which have hospitality facilities at the club.' It was announced earlier this week that Red Football Joint Venture, United's parent company run by the Glazers, had made a ?108.9million loss for the year ended June 30, 2010. Buys from Brazil: New recruits from United's South American talent factoryOh Man! Blow for Fergie as Schalke stopper Neuer turns down move to Old Trafford I'm sorry, Stuart, I didn't mean to hurt you! Evans apologises to crocked Bolton midfielder All the latest Manchester United FC news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Malcolm Glazer