Hartlepool United Defend Media Restrictions Amid Accusations of Biased Reporting..

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Hartlepool United FC blames media ‘misinformation’, as both BBC Tees and The Hartlepool Mail are still frozen out of press access to the club..

11th November 2025

Hartlepool United FC has defended its ongoing restrictions against a number of local journalists following renewed criticism from supporters, who questioned the club’s stance on what they say is 'constructive criticism' and 'transparency'.

During the latest Supporters Panel meeting held last month, fans raised concerns about the club’s handling of media access, particularly towards reporters from both BBC Tees and the The Hartlepool Mail. Some supporters expressed frustration that the club, which claims to value constructive criticism, has continued to limit access for certain journalists, describing the ban as “one big negative” that undermines fan engagement.

In response, clubs representatives clarified that both BBC Tees and the Hartlepool Mail are not officially banned from covering home matches or reporting on the club. Instead, they claim that the outlets themselves have chosen not to send reporters to Victoria Park..

Gavin Ledwith, editor of the Hartlepool Mail has faced significant criticism from the football club over claims the virtually defunct local newspaper has been publishing 'inaccurate reports' about the football club.

However, the minutes reveal that two specific journalists remain restricted from attending Hartlepool home games or engaging with staff and players due to what's said to be “legal teams still dealing with those connected matters.” The club stressed that the issue stems from previous disputes over inaccurate reporting and alleged defamatory content.

According to the panel notes, Hartlepool United alleges that during the second half of last season and throughout the off-season, both media outlets published “defamatory articles and content put out without balance,” some of which was “factually incorrect or misleading.”

The club stated that the Hartlepool Mail has since accepted the issue and apologised, while the BBC has not.

“There is a responsibility for the media and their staff to present balanced journalism with factually correct information,” the minutes read. “The Club including its staff and players are at the centre of this with livelihoods, and there are various other stakeholders.”

Its claimed a compromise on the reporting on matchdays could be reached, however the decision ultimately lays with the clubs chairman Raj Singh

The ongoing situation has reportedly caused significant tension, especially on matchdays, with BBC Tees’ commentary regularly raising the matter during live broadcasts, something the club says “continues to create negativity.” Some panel members suggested that allowing commentary without interviews could be a temporary compromise, though it was noted that “if the Chairman, Raj Singh feels strongly about it, it is his prerogative.”

Despite the media controversy, the club reiterated that it remains focused on improving the matchday experience for fans and described HUFC’s own commentary output as a positive step.

The meeting closed with clarification on wider speculation on the clubs future, including the Hartlepool United FC's ongoing sale process. With the report stating that any potential takeover of Hartlepool United is still active, and that updates would be shared “in due course” via official channels.