Varney's case would be dismissed on the grounds that everybody knows that Pinocchio tells whoppers all the time, so being defamed by her doesn't count as nobody believers a word she says.
Nightmeire's words might seem like a crime to us, but how easy would it be in a court of law to prove that saying someone's proposed buyout would move a club to a different ground nearby constituted defamation or some other form of significant injury to business reputation or whatever? Would PV's potential buyers want to come to court as witnesses for him and assert that they never had any such intention?
He has a right to be offended and outraged, but I don't understand how he can do much about it.
Varney doesn't have to prove anything in terms of his investor. In a defamation case the burden of proof is on the defendant, so she would have to show what she said is true, when it isn't, and she doesn't even know who the investor is, despite what Swisdom thinks. The rest is for the lawyers.
Yes, but surely there's something more to defamation (or other such legal processes) than someone just telling a fib about you? Don't you have to convince the court that it damages you in a significant way? My point was that wouldn't a court not composed of football fans say, so what?
Perhaps it would be possible to argue that the damage to his reputation may disadvantage any future deals, whereby customers/fans may distrust him based upon Katrien's false statement.
What if Ebbsfleet where to gain the impression that Varney was more than an intermediary providing an introductory service, and was actively involved in a plan to move Charlton? That may not be a huge leap based upon her words.
Alternatively, the very fact that Katrien has refused his request to retract her statement may make it more serious? She's been made aware of the inaccuracy and his concern, and still refused to respond. I would suggest that this now makes the issue much more severe than the original throwaway comment at the press conference.
Interesting that KM chooses to mention PV intentions as wanting leave The Valley and also that RD realises the importance of what staying at The Valley means to Charlton fans. So do you recognise our history or not KM because your confusing the life out of me, but then I'm beyond the age range of the type of customer you want anyhow.
Nightmeire's words might seem like a crime to us, but how easy would it be in a court of law to prove that saying someone's proposed buyout would move a club to a different ground nearby constituted defamation or some other form of significant injury to business reputation or whatever? Would PV's potential buyers want to come to court as witnesses for him and assert that they never had any such intention?
He has a right to be offended and outraged, but I don't understand how he can do much about it.
Varney doesn't have to prove anything in terms of his investor. In a defamation case the burden of proof is on the defendant, so she would have to show what she said is true, when it isn't, and she doesn't even know who the investor is, despite what Swisdom thinks. The rest is for the lawyers.
Yes, but surely there's something more to defamation (or other such legal processes) than someone just telling a fib about you? Don't you have to convince the court that it damages you in a significant way? My point was that wouldn't a court not composed of football fans say, so what?
You can safely assume that PV has taken and will act on professional advice.
"At a recent press conference I inadvertently made a comment which to some might have implied that potential buyers of Charlton linked to Peter Varney planned to move the club away from the Valley.
I would like to make clear that that was not my intention and fully accept and believe Mr Varney when he says that his backers have no intention to move the club. I regret any confusion caused.
Roland Duchatelet has no plans to sell Charlton Athletic and we look forward to a successful season under our new manager Russell Slade"
......is how easy it would be for Phil Darward, former Premier League Spin doctor once again working at Charlton, to write a statement clearing this all up. Actually given how much he is earning in consultancy fees I'd expect a much better statement than more amateur effort.
The question has to be why hasn't he been allowed to publish such a statement.
Thanks for people's comments in reply to my questions. I want to make it clear that I'm pro-PV, because I accept that he is a genuine fan as well as a competent businessman, and I merely asked out of puzzlement. If there's a legal case in there and he decides to take that route, I wish him the best of luck.
Nightmeire's words might seem like a crime to us, but how easy would it be in a court of law to prove that saying someone's proposed buyout would move a club to a different ground nearby constituted defamation or some other form of significant injury to business reputation or whatever? Would PV's potential buyers want to come to court as witnesses for him and assert that they never had any such intention?
He has a right to be offended and outraged, but I don't understand how he can do much about it.
Varney doesn't have to prove anything in terms of his investor. In a defamation case the burden of proof is on the defendant, so she would have to show what she said is true, when it isn't, and she doesn't even know who the investor is, despite what Swisdom thinks. The rest is for the lawyers.
Yes, but surely there's something more to defamation (or other such legal processes) than someone just telling a fib about you? Don't you have to convince the court that it damages you in a significant way? My point was that wouldn't a court not composed of football fans say, so what?
It was pretty much set out in the Slater Gordon link I provided a page or so ago. If it diminishes his reputation amongst those where his reputation matters, then that might be enough. Anyone but the very rich would be mad to fund a case out of their own money and a law firm wouldn't take it on on a conditional fee basis if they didn't think there was a good shout. So we'll wait and see.
looked like him at the press conference sitting next to KM.
Someone else said he came back when Mel Baroni left but I think he was just there as a one - off. She clearly needs a minder 24/7
Haha, so whilst trying to break even we employ a CEO, then tell her we don't have confidence in her speaking to the press so employ a comms guy to sit next to her and 'hold her hand' through any press meetings now!
Two for the price of, err 2. Great business model, RD.
Dorwood is very expensive and he is neither making anything better, nor stopping Miere making things worse.
I am not sure you can stop her. Clearly, whoever advised her not to speak to the media or fans had the right idea, but since then she has broken cover (as opposed to issued vetted and sanitised statements) twice (Telegraph forum and the presser) and both times managed to dig herself a deeper hole.
If she had to stay then I would pretty much only let her out for for formal pressers (with about a day training beforehand and a PR man on hand to intercept any questions not on that script) and press interviews, again with a PR minder sitting on her lap (ugh). Leave Murray, whoever much we don't like him, to handle the more taxing media engagements.
Meire will always put her foot in her mouth and it all comes down to the bunker mentality. In her opinion misinformation is being spoken / written about her / the regime and she can't resist the urge to say anything to wrestle control back. It all comes down to this failure to admit she has ever been wrong. Either that or she deliberately lies!
"When he's in London, he travels to games on the train. He's not interested in turning up in a chauffeur-driven car," added Varney. "Some owners have to cower at home games, but he's treated like a hero."
Wonder how much of that is influence from Varney on how to act as an Owner!!
Comments
What if Ebbsfleet where to gain the impression that Varney was more than an intermediary providing an introductory service, and was actively involved in a plan to move Charlton? That may not be a huge leap based upon her words.
Alternatively, the very fact that Katrien has refused his request to retract her statement may make it more serious? She's been made aware of the inaccuracy and his concern, and still refused to respond. I would suggest that this now makes the issue much more severe than the original throwaway comment at the press conference.
I would like to make clear that that was not my intention and fully accept and believe Mr Varney when he says that his backers have no intention to move the club. I regret any confusion caused.
Roland Duchatelet has no plans to sell Charlton Athletic and we look forward to a successful season under our new manager Russell Slade"
......is how easy it would be for Phil Darward, former Premier League Spin doctor once again working at Charlton, to write a statement clearing this all up. Actually given how much he is earning in consultancy fees I'd expect a much better statement than more amateur effort.
The question has to be why hasn't he been allowed to publish such a statement.
Someone else said he came back when Mel Baroni left but I think he was just there as a one - off. She clearly needs a minder 24/7
If it diminishes his reputation amongst those where his reputation matters, then that might be enough.
Anyone but the very rich would be mad to fund a case out of their own money and a law firm wouldn't take it on on a conditional fee basis if they didn't think there was a good shout. So we'll wait and see.
Peacock bleeds Charlton.
Two for the price of, err 2. Great business model, RD.
If she had to stay then I would pretty much only let her out for for formal pressers (with about a day training beforehand and a PR man on hand to intercept any questions not on that script) and press interviews, again with a PR minder sitting on her lap (ugh). Leave Murray, whoever much we don't like him, to handle the more taxing media engagements.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37453983
"When he's in London, he travels to games on the train. He's not interested in turning up in a chauffeur-driven car," added Varney. "Some owners have to cower at home games, but he's treated like a hero."
Wonder how much of that is influence from Varney on how to act as an Owner!!