Macclesfield FC co-owner suspended after control and coercion arrest

A co-owner of Macclesfield FC has been suspended following his arrest on suspicion of a coercive control offence. Robert Smethurst was arrested in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on 19 May on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour. In a statement, the National League North club said it was "aware of reports circulating" and the 48-year-old had "temporarily been relieved of all duties associated with the club while legal guidance is sought". Asked to comment by the BBC, Smethhurst confirmed his arrest and said the allegations against him had been "an absolute load of rubbish". He added: "I'm absolutely gutted, devastated. I want my club back. "I love the people that have supported me. All I can ask is that they support me through this time. "I hope the whole of Macclesfield gets behind me and we pull together and put me back into a position where I feel that I actually belong." Cheshire Constanbulary said: "On Tuesday 19 May a 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour in Wilmslow. "He has since been bailed pending further enquiries." Smethurst bought the club out of insolvency in 2020 and installed former manager Robbie Savage, but has since dilute