Port Vale

Off The Pitch

Events manager at Port Vale 'victim of sexual discrimination, harassment'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter

Published: January 26 2015 | 11:42

Last updated: January 26 2015 | 17:41

A female events manager was sexually harassed and discriminated while working at Port Vale, a tribunal rules.

A tribunal has ruled that events manager Joanne Clay was the victim of sexual discrimination and harassment while working at Port Vale.

The 33-year-old was sacked by the League One club in September 2011 amid allegations that she was seeing player Marc Richards, who is a father of three and has a long-term girlfriend.

Ms Clay, who claimed that she was told by club officials that she was "too attractive to work in football", denied the affair.

According to the Daily Star, the tribunal's panel claimed that it was "striking" that Ms Clay was suspended and eventually sacked while Richards did not receive any punishment.

Ms Clay, who is expected to receive thousands of pounds after winning her case, claimed that the footballer once followed her to the bank and contacted her by phone, text and social media.