Chelsea Groundskeeper Alleges Sexual Assault in Emails Sent to Rival Clubs

 A Chelsea groundskeeper allegedly sent approximately 1,500 anonymous emails accusing the club of condoning bullying after accusing his supervisor of sexual assault, as detailed in a tribunal. Conor McKnight claimed that Jason Griffin, the head groundskeeper, had sexually assaulted him by grabbing his crotch and threatening him with violence at a party. McKnight expressed anger over Griffin retaining his position after the incident. Despite having his grievance and subsequent appeal dismissed, McKnight continued his protest by sending numerous emails to rival clubs, labeled "Chelsea Football Club Scandal - Cover up Assault and Sexual Assault."

 

The dismissal of McKnight came after management noticed similarities in the spelling errors in his emails and those sent anonymously. Although he won his unfair dismissal case, the tribunal determined that he would not likely receive compensation, as they were convinced Chelsea would have terminated his employment had a disciplinary hearing taken place.

 

McKnight had been employed by Chelsea for three seasons, from June 2019 to May 2022. The tribunal heard that a physical altercation occurred between McKnight and Griffin at a Christmas event in December 2019. While it was acknowledged that Griffin's behavior was unacceptable and he faced consequences, other aspects of McKnight's grievance, including allegations of sexual assault, were not upheld.

 

Despite a failed appeal in February 2022, which concluded that McKnight had not been sexually assaulted, he continued his protest by sending 980 anonymous emails in May 2022. These emails implicated staff who were accused of neglecting instances of assault, bullying, and victimization, and were circulated to various clubs, including Brentford, who notified Chelsea. Subsequently, three additional emails with similar content were sent to 604 addresses.

 

Employment Judge Antoine Tinnion remarked that although McKnight's emails contained offensive language, they did not warrant dismissal without a formal hearing.

 

The Johnson Partnership

(formerley GV Hale)