Stockport County have issued a statement addressing inappropriate and divisive political imagery featuring the club crest recently shared online.
The Greater Manchester side was alerted to the situation this week and quickly released a decisive comment condemning the content that appeared on social media.
Updating the fan base on Monday afternoon, 29 July, the League One team shared the important and well-received response across their official channels, reminding their fan base that not only are they a non-political entity but that the beautiful game is for everyone.
It reads as follows: “Stockport County has been made aware of instances where our club crest has been used without permission on political propaganda, including deeply concerning imagery that promotes hate and division, such as the unauthorised display of our crest alongside anti-LGBTQ+ symbols.
“We want to be unequivocally clear: Stockport County Football Club is, and always will be, a politically neutral organisation. We do not endorse, support, or affiliate with any political party, candidate [referring to one specific individual in this instance], or ideology.
“Our club crest is a registered trademark and a symbol of unity, community, and the collective passion for football at Edgeley Park.
“It represents all our fans, staff, players, and the wider Stockport community, regardless of their individual political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, or any other characteristic.”
They assure that the club, which is made up of all kinds of ethnicities, genders and sexualities, is “no place for hate, discrimination, or exclusion of any kind at Edgeley Park or within our community“, adding that they are “committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and safe.”
For context, below you’ll find just one example of the unsanctioned and potentially inflammatory iconography exposed via Facebook marketplace, which features the Stockport County badge alongside an image of former UKIP leader and Reform UK MP, Nigel Farage.
The statement goes on to reinforce that “any unauthorised use of our crest, particularly in a political or hateful context, is a misuse of our intellectual property and fundamentally goes against the inclusive values we uphold.”
“We will take all necessary steps, including legal action where appropriate, to prevent such unauthorised use of our club crest and protect our brand integrity.”
They sign off by stating, simply: “We urge all supporters to respect the Club’s neutrality and help us maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome and united by their love for County.”
On the upside, the defiant Stockport County stance was met with plenty of praise and support, with Hatters and football lovers in general commenting, “My community club”, “Not a fan but well done county”, “Keep politics out of football, especially that lot. Top club statement”, just to quote a few replies.
SCFC seem to be getting lots of things right at the moment.
Salford Red Devils have assured that their next game will ‘go ahead as scheduled’
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils have assured their supporters that their next game is set to go ahead as planned following the cancellation of their previous match over the weekend.
The local rugby league club is set to take on fellow Greater Manchester outfit Leigh Leopards this Friday, but there remain lingering doubts as to whether or not this latest fixture will be played either.
Nevertheless, Salford Red Devils have now issued a statement assuring those watching Super League round 23 at home and, more importantly, those travelling to nearby Wigan for the clash that “will go ahead as scheduled.”
Then again, the meeting against Wakefield Trinity RLFC was only called off two days prior, so many are still opting for a ‘touch wood’ mentality.
Sharing a statement on social media at the start of the week, the Red Devils said: “We can confirm this Friday’s Betfred Super League Round 23 clash between Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils will go ahead as scheduled.
“The Club, in consultation with the Rugby Football League (RFL), RL Commercial and Rugby League Cares, reluctantly decided to cancel last Sunday’s scheduled fixture versus Wakefield Trinity due to significant concerns regarding player welfare.
“However, with first-grade players back from injury this week, and others with Super League experience set to join on loan, this Friday’s fixture will proceed as planned.
“Your support this season has been incredible, both at home and on the road – thank you for backing the boys in such a tough period.”
While there were no issues on Wakefield’s end last Sunday, 17 August, it was made apparent that the home tie simply had to be cancelled, as the Salford side were effectively unable to raise a team.
Only two players were said to be actually available for the match, with the Devils having to depend on loanees for others in the division to stay afloat following several individuals departing this year.
So much passion as fans of Salford Red Devils came together to peacefully protest against the owners of the club.
Pretty special to also see supporters of rivals Wigan, Warrington & Widnes here to support the rugby league community ❤️
— Nick Hope – the athlete’s journalist (@NickHopeTV) August 17, 2025
Against the backdrop of yet more woe for the 125-year-old organisation, more than 500 fans decided to march outside the ground – led by passionate supporters group, The 1873 – with a clear message regarding problematic ownership and their equally ever-troublesome finances: “enough is enough.”
The board insist that the recent and increasingly decisive decision-making hasn’t been “taken lightly”, but the climate around the Salford Community Stadium is nevertheless turbulent, with some deeply distressing claims being made behind the scenes.
Perhaps one of the most alarming allegations came on Thursday, 14 August, when now former COO (chief operating officer) Claire Bradbury resigned within less than a year with the Devils after an ownership figure suggested she “sleep with someone at the RFL” to help their struggles.
She shared details of incidents in a lengthy open letter via LinkedIn; we sincerely hope the toxicity and lingering air of uncertainty abate soon, not just for the fans’ sake, but for the evidently long-suffering staff and everyone who has kept the club going this long.
Manchester chosen for first-ever Pro:Direct Soccer ‘FC’ concept store
Danny Jones
Manchester city centre has been chosen for the first-ever Pro:Direct Soccer concept store, which is set to be unveiled very soon.
While a specific opening date is yet to be announced, we now have a confirmed venue, which will be none other than the Arndale.
The world-famous online retailer first began experimenting with brick-and-mortar stores over a decade ago, with their LDN19 shop in the capital opening back in 2014, but now they’ve signed a new 10-year lease in the busy Manc shopping centre.
Set to open early in 2026, the flagship ‘PD:FC’ site promises to be “more than a store” and is purpose-built to celebrate all things football culture.
The hoardings are already up. (Credit: Supplied)
Due to take over a 9,180 sq ft unit spanning two floors, the new ‘Football Performance and Culture store’ is tipped as the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
Choosing Manchester due to its rich music, fashion, sporting and football heritage, most specifically, our home was seen as a natural destination for the new concept.
The debut PD:FC store is not only looking to offer a unique retail experience to our footy-obsessed city, but also deliver a site for innovation and cultural crossover.
As per an official press release, the brand says PD:FC “ensures every player finds the right fit, feel, and edge to allow them to ‘Play Better’”, adding that it will “curates the evolving world of football culture, harnessing the energy of the streets, the glory of stadiums, and the influences within game and beyond.”
‘PRO:DIRECT Sport PD:FC’ will be come just the latest in a recent trend of high-profile openings in the Arndale and neighbouring New Cathedral Street, with the likes of Sephora and Represent attracting huge opening day queues, not to mention fellow sport and activity brands, Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga and Trailberg.
Speaking on the announcement, PRO:DIRECT Sport‘s Chief of Brand, Sam Baldock, said: “Manchester is the beating heart of football culture – a city where the game’s history, passion, and future collide.
“Launching our new PD:FC concept here is about more than opening a store; it’s about creating a space that lives and breathes football and its culture.
“A place where players and fans can connect with the very best the sport has to offer. This is our home for the football-inspired community in the Manchester area – from the streets to the stadiums – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors.”
Danny Jones -
29th July 2025 
