‘We should have handled this better’ – Premier League club release statement after backlash over ‘disgusting’ email

BOURNEMOUTH have released a statement following backlash from fans after firing a long-term employee. The Premier League outfit emailed at least one employee confirming that they would not be renewing their contract for the 2026-27 season. Bournemouth have released a statement after a staff member was sacked after nealry 60 years Credit: Alamy The employee – in his 70s – had been working at the club for nearly 60 years in multiple different matchday roles. News of the sacking was shared on social media and the impersonal email sent to the long serving staff member received a huge backlash from fans. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! A relative called the decision “disgusting” as they sent a message to Bournemouth ceo Jim Frevola. The message on X read: “A relative of ours has been working on match days for @afcbournemouth for nearly 60 years. “Programme selling, car park duty and various other roles. 2 weeks before the season starts he received this from the club. “A disgusting approach @jimfrevola club should be ashamed.” Frevola replied to the message on social media and insisted the matter would be looked into. The club have now released a statement confirming it would be reaching out to the staff member and others who have had similar experiences. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Bournemouth's 'disguting' email to employee This is the email that was sent to the employee confirming that they would not have a job at the club for the new season... It read: “Good afternoon, I am writing to update you regarding your contract with AFC Bournemouth for the 2026/27 season. “Following a review of the Club’s operational requirements and direction for the new season, the Club has decided not to renew your contract for the 2026/27 season. “We appreciate this will be disappointing news. On behalf of everyone at AFC Bournemouth, I would like to thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and contribution to the Club during your time with us. “We are grateful for the support you have provided over the years and wish you every success for the future. “Kind regards, The Safety Team.” It read: “AFC Bournemouth has seen the concerns raised regarding changes to some of our matchday staffing arrangements. “We have reviewed the way these changes were communicated to some long-serving members of our matchday team and recognise that it did not reflect the standards we expect of ourselves as a club. “People who have given many years of service to AFC Bournemouth deserve to be treated with appreciation and respect. “We are contacting those affected directly to listen to their concerns and review their individual circumstances. “As part of our preparations for the new season, we have made changes to a number of matchday roles and working requirements as we continue to strengthen the safety and security of the stadium, its perimeter and surrounding areas. “These changes are important, but so too is the way we communicate with and treat the people who have served our club. “We should have handled this better, and we will do better. “We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to AFC Bournemouth over the years, and particularly those who have served the club for decades.” Play Dream Team this season! £100,000 in prize money up for grabs in 2026/27 Free to enter Play in Mini Leagues against your mates £60,000 jackpot for the overall winner £1,000 prize for winning Gameweek 1 PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW! Bournemouth begin their Premier League campaign against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on August 23. The 2026-27 season will mark the club’s first ever European campaign after qualifying for the Europa League last term. So far this pre-season the Cherries have beaten the likes of St Pauli, Augsburg and Genoa before drawing to Real Betis. The club has one last friendly match before the competitve campaign starts which is today against Mainz in Germany. Comment now