British Troops Condemn Yeovil Town FC Owner Martin Hellier Over IRA Hunger Strike Tribute
Yeovil, Somerset — British veterans and active service members have voiced their outrage over recent actions by Martin Hellier, owner of Yeovil Town FC, who recently announced a hunger strike on social media, using an image of IRA member Bobby Sands to promote it. Sands, a convicted member of the Irish Republican Army, became known for his 1981 hunger strike while imprisoned, during which he died. Hellier’s use of Sands’ image has stirred strong negative reactions from both former and current British troops, who find the tribute deeply offensive and disrespectful.
Hellier, already facing significant controversy within the Yeovil community for alleged abusive behaviour and ongoing investigations by the Football Association (FA), now faces an additional wave of backlash. The decision to associate himself with Sands, a figure seen by many British troops as emblematic of violence against the UK, has compounded the tension surrounding Hellier and his standing in Yeovil.
British military veterans have expressed their dismay, describing Hellier's actions as “insensitive” and “disrespectful to those who served and sacrificed.” An ex-serviceman commented, “Using the image of a figure from the IRA—an organization responsible for the loss of so many lives among the armed forces—is an insult to British troops and their families.”
Bobby Sands
The response from Yeovil’s community has been similarly critical, with residents and fans alike questioning Hellier’s continued involvement with the club. Calls have grown for Hellier to step down, citing a tarnished reputation that, many argue, is damaging Yeovil Town FC’s image and relationship with its supporters.
The FA continues to investigate Hellier’s conduct, while members of the community, including veterans, hope for swift action to restore dignity to the club and address what they view as highly offensive behaviour.
Local MP Adam Dance Under Pressure to Address Yeovil Town FC Owner's Actions Amid Remembrance Day Concerns
Local MP Adam Dance faces increasing pressure from constituents to clarify his stance on Yeovil Town FC owner Martin Hellier’s controversial actions, particularly regarding Hellier’s role in the upcoming Remembrance Sunday events. Hellier, who laid a wreath at the town’s war memorial last year, has recently sparked outrage with his social media post using an image of IRA member Bobby Sands to announce a personal hunger strike. The move has incited strong condemnation, particularly from local veterans, many of whom served during the Northern Ireland conflict.
Hellier & Dance Concluding
Peter Stockwell, a former soldier, expressed his frustration in a statement to Yeovil Real News, saying, “Hellier is a complete tw@t. I bet he never served his country in Northern Ireland like me and a lot of my mates. It just shows the mentality of some idiots in life, him obviously being a big one around here. There’s no way he should be laying wreaths, and Adam Dance now needs to show his worth.”
Stockwell's sentiment reflects a growing concern among veterans and residents who feel that Hellier’s actions—along with his recent controversies involving alleged abusive behavior and substance misuse—have disqualified him from representing the town at such a solemn event. Many residents now call on MP Adam Dance to publicly address the situation, urging him to support an alternative representative for the ceremony.
As Remembrance Day approaches, Yeovil’s community awaits a response from Dance, hoping for action that respects the values of the town’s veterans and honors the solemnity of the event. The controversy has underscored the growing division between Hellier and the Yeovil community, with increasing calls for a resolution that prioritizes respect and sensitivity on a day that holds profound meaning for many local families.