Swindon Town owner Clem Morfuni has condemned what he feels is an unacceptable level of vitriol directed at players and staff at the club.

Following TrustSTFC's update last week about what they deemed to be a lack of progress since their Open Letter in May, in which they said they had lost faith in his ownership, Morfuni responded to them.

The Australian businessman posted a statement on the club's website, where he outlined the situation he inherited in 2021 and the work he has done since to improve the club.

Part of the statement covered the recent abuse of both players and staff at the club, which Morfuni believes has increased in recent weeks and needs to be stamped out.

Head coach Mark Kennedy said after Saturday's 0-0 draw with Harrogate Town when the team were booed off, that whilst he accepted that a negative reaction would come, it would not be helpful in helping the younger players perform.

In the statement, Morfuni said that whilst criticism was part of football, in recent weeks it had gone beyond the line and needed to be reined in as it was not conducive to helping the team perform on the pitch and those in the background do their jobs to the best of their abilities.

He said: "I feel strongly about the online abuse and negative behaviour that has surfaced in recent weeks. Criticism is part and parcel of football, and I accept my fair share.

"I am concerned by the levels of personal attacks and abuse directed at not only me but also at players, staff, and other supporters. This is not what being a Swindon Town fan is about.

"Bullying is for cowards and online hate affects the mental health and performance of our players, especially the younger ones. It’s demoralising and it can even push talented individuals away from the Club. 

"The management and coaching staff also feel the stress of these attacks, making an already demanding job even harder. We all need to remember that there’s a human side to football that goes beyond wins and losses.

"I urge all supporters to rally behind the team and positively channel their passion. We all want the same thing - to see Swindon Town succeed and move up the football ladder.

"Your support makes a real difference on match day, and I ask that we focus on creating an environment where players feel encouraged to give their best."