For many of us, it's difficult not to feel disappointed by the Panorama programme. Not only did it feel badly put together, but it also seemed to expose very little genuinely new evidence. After the shock of David Sullivan's resignation, the expectation was that the programme would at least shine a fresh light on allegations that had circulated previously. It didn't.
Thanks to
@RippleStarterUK sharing numerous newspaper clippings detailing accusations made against Sullivan over the years, it appears that at least one (or more) of the allegations featured in last night's broadcast had already been reported in the tabloids. As a result, many of us were broadly aware of these type of claims.
The programme itself felt poorly edited, and it leaves you wondering whether significant content may have been left out. There could be any number of reasons for that, including legal considerations, but the end result was a programme that felt incomplete.
To be absolutely clear, if what allegedly happened to the women involved is true, then it is deeply disturbing. However, the evidence presented on screen leaves questions. In particular, the most serious allegation, involving an alleged sexual encounter, was brought forward by a witness who said she could not be 100% certain whether she clearly expressed that she did not want the activity to continue, or whether she said it only in a whisper.
If the allegations are true, then we can only hope that the BBC and The Times have more evidence still to come, or that the programme encourages additional victims and witnesses to step forward. Reports suggest that both the football regulator and the Metropolitan Police are now examining the matter further, and hopefully those investigations will provide a positive outcome for a West Ham fanbase that overwhelmingly wants Sullivan's involvement with the club to end.
While his resignation was met with widespread celebration, he still has a stake in the club. Therefore, the potential of him being involved behind the scenes remains. For many of us, nothing short of him selling his shares and fvcking off will be enough.
I had hoped Panorama would provide the final nail in the coffin. I'm not sure it did. But hopefully the fallout from the programme, and whatever comes next, will.