The businessman who failed in his “hostile” takeover bid for the Rochdale AFC has been indicted by the Football Association.

The Football Association opened an investigation in August into allegations that Andrew Curran, in a take-over bid for Morton House MGT and First Form Construction Ltd, used insulting comments about members’ sexual orientation. of the existing board of directors at a meeting on the future of the club.

It is alleged that the townspeople are “small in mind” and that the club’s current board of directors are “Nancy boys”. It was further claimed that Mr Curran had suggested that any future disputes could be settled by “a fight in a boxing ring”.

The Manchester Evening News has contacted Mr Curran for comment.

READ MORE: Rochdale AFC Chairman hails ‘bright future’ after takeover collapse

The comments were reportedly made during a Zoom meeting between the current board of directors of Rochdale AFC, the English Football League (EFL), and Mr Curran and his advisor, Alexander Jarvis.

In a statement, an FA spokesperson said: “It is alleged that Andrew Curran used inappropriate and / or abusive and / or insulting language, which is contrary to FA Rule E3.1. “

They continued, “It is further alleged that the language constitutes an ‘aggravated violation’, as defined in FA Rule E3.2, because it included a reference, express or implied, to sexual orientation.

“Andrew Curran has until Monday, November 8 to provide a response.”

The takeover bid ultimately collapsed, with current chairman Simon Gauge hailing a “bright future” for the club.