Morecambe owner Jason Whittingham, of Bond Group, blames abuse from fans for putting off potential buyers of the recently relegated club.

He claims his family has faced social media abuse, deterring potential buyers, and he threatens criminal charges against those responsible.

The club’s sale to Panjab Warriors, announced to be finalised on July 7th, 2025, remains incomplete, with no updates provided.

Staff wages, due June 27th, are partially unpaid, with only one-third received. The club has been for sale since September 2022, owned by Bond Group since 2018.

On June 27th, the sale nearly collapsed, and by July 1st, the board issued an ultimatum to sell or face administration.

Whittingham denied stalling, expressed intent to resolve wage issues, and dismissed the board, who had already resigned.

On July 3rd, Morecambe’s MP, Lizzi Collinge, and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy urged Bond Group to complete the sale, while a sponsor withdrew support until the sale is finalised.

Public Statement on Behalf of Jason Whittingham, Bond Group.#UTS 🦐

— Morecambe FC (@MorecambeFC) July 7, 2025

The @MorecambeFC owner hits out at 'a campaign of abuse'…https://t.co/kn5xdrLHgd

— Shrimps 24/7 (@Shrimps247) July 7, 2025

STATEMENT:

“There has been a campaign of abuse on social media against my family members, including elderly and young – all vulnerable people, including women, who they are clearly attempting to intimidate and bully.

“In addition to reporting this to the police, they will be investigated even after the club is sold, no matter how long it takes.

“As we acquire their details, we will contact their place of work, education or associations as well as pursuing criminal charges.

“As social media and accompanying abuse against me and my family has been noticed, the individuals involved have already been responsible for putting off at least two potential buyers who do not want to be involved in a club with a section of such toxic individuals.

“These individuals serve only themselves not the best interests of the club.

“Jason Whittingham, Bond Group Investments LTD”

Twitter users reacted as the Morecambe owner blames abuse from fans for putting off potential buyers of the club…

@SSE_LTFC: Using club statements to tell people to stop calling him names 😂😂

@JCrook93: More importantly, have you paid your staff? Today is Monday, by the way.

@cylertarter: “I’ve withheld wages from hard working people, but I’M THE VICTIM!!” Absolutely pathetic

@richardfallan: Perhaps pay your staff so they can feed their own families, and then start whinging at the lengths people have had to go to ensure it. Oh, and a cheeky bit of threatening action of his own that’s at best in the grey area of the law to boot.

@alfcorazzin: A delaying tactic of ‘claims’ made, we saw it at Oldham. Just sell the club and get out.

@mightyquinn89: Make sure to report yourself to HMRC as well. Oh and pay your personal fine to the EFL for failing to pay wages

@joephelan44: Still no pay for hundreds of people who need the money they earnt but that’s alright but god don’t send any hate that’s bang out of order 😂😂😂😂😂

@benstonesfc1: Playing the victim card when staff haven’t been paid. Actually incredible behaviour. The only post that should be coming from Jason is that it’s done but no, let’s make it all about me again. Have a day off 😂

@jswindle29: How about you sell the club, instead of threatening people

@abh221315: Hang in there Morecambe Fans all Oldham Fans rooting for you and that all players and Staff get paid and you get your club Back 💙🧡

@SmiffySUFC: Haha. Ron Martin said the same bollocks about our fans. Called us “dissenters” and claimed several buyers pulled out because of our actions. @fan_southend1 🤣

@_Owxn_h8: What an absolute baby, a whole statement because your wife’s books are shit 🤣