THE manager of Chesterfield FC, Paul Cook, has issued an apology after he and fans inadvertently disrupted a tribute to Fallen Mariners before kick-off at Blundell Park on Saturday afternoon.
Throughout the tribute, fans chanted noisily - with apparent encouragement from Mr Cook.
But it subsequently emerged that the away fans had been unaware of the dedication - partly because of shortcomings with the tannoy system and partly because the video displaying names of deceased Mariners players and supporters was not visible to away supporters.
Made aware of the disquiet, the Derbyshire club was quick to issue an apology.
A statement read: "Please note that many of the club staff and supporters were unaware of the Fallen Mariners tribute taking place before kick-off.
"They therefore failed to pay tribute, as they would normally do, due to the lack of awareness.
"Our sincere apologies to anyone who perceived this to be a lack of respect."
Manager Paul Cook said: "I always go over to acknowledge our supporters at away games, and I did this unaware that a tribute was taking place.
”I am not a disrespectful person so I would like to apologise to anyone who felt offended in any way. That was not my intention."
Grimsby Town director Jason Stockwood later took up the matter with his Chesterfield counterparts and was reassured by their response.
On social media, he wrote: "I spoke to directors of Chesterfield FC who wanted to apologise for the misunderstanding around the pre-game tribute.
"They are a really good bunch who run that club, and we will ensure we communicate things like this more clearly in future."
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