A bitter dispute between television personality Jeff Stelling and Hartlepool United's owner Raj Singh has taken a dramatic turn, with Singh requesting that fellow National League teams refuse the broadcaster access to their hospitality areas.
The chairman sent correspondence to other clubs in the division asking them to exclude Stelling from boardroom facilities when Hartlepool play away fixtures this campaign.
The conflict stems from Stelling's decision to step down from his role as the club's honorary president in May.
He quit in opposition to how Singh managed discussions regarding the potential sale of the team, particularly after a local consortium's bid failed to advance.
Jeff Stelling has responded to his dire situation with Hartlepool with some vintage humour
| GETTYThe former Sky Sports host responded to the situation with characteristic humour, suggesting he might need to adopt an elaborate disguise to watch his beloved team at their Victoria Park stadium.
"Might have to disguise myself in my Blues Brothers outfit from a couple of years ago to get into the Vic but will be at many away games," Stelling wrote on social media platform X.
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The reference was to the 1980 film featuring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, who wore distinctive dark suits, black ties, trilby hats and sunglasses.
Despite the restrictions, Stelling expressed his continued support for the team and manager Simon Grayson.
Singh's correspondence to National League teams explicitly requested that Stelling receive no "official HUFC dignitary spaces in your board room, or equivalent" during Hartlepool's visits to their stadiums.
The letter went further, asking clubs to ensure Stelling sits apart from any Hartlepool representatives or employees should he attend matches independently.
Stelling had held the honorary presidency since 2016, succeeding former Labour politician Peter Mandelson in the ceremonial position.
His departure came after growing frustration with stalled negotiations involving a takeover bid led by local businesswoman Shirley Hammond. The consortium reportedly became disillusioned as discussions failed to progress satisfactorily.
Hartlepool's MP Jonathan Brash has waded into the controversy, penning his own correspondence to National League clubs on House of Commons letterhead.
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Jeff Stelling is facing a stadium ban at his beloved Hartlepool
| PAThe Labour politician urged teams to extend a "warm welcome" to Stelling, describing him as "a Freeman of Hartlepool, one of our most favoured sons, and a football broadcaster and journalist of international renown."
Brash emphasised Stelling's lifelong dedication to promoting football and championing the town, requesting he receive "the respect and courtesy that he has most certainly earned."
Stelling thanked the MP for his support, expressing confidence that most clubs would continue treating him courteously. "If not I have got no problem being with the travelling Poolies!" he added.
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