Top company boss in email storm over comments made about deaf Potters Bar footballer

John Griffin at his home in Potters Bar Archant

A CHARITY has criticised comments made by a top UK company boss, who appeared to make a joke about an incident last week involving a deaf footballer.

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John Griffin at his home in Potters Bar

An email sent directly to this reporter from John Griffin, chairman of Addison Lee – the UK’s largest minicab firm– referred to the report on the front page of last week’s Potters Bar Edition about Daniel Ailey, the deaf Potters Bar Town FC striker who was mocked at a game between the Scholars and Grays Athletic.

Mr Ailey, who is a former GB deaf team striker, makes what his manager calls a “grunting” noise to attract his teammates’ attention and to let them know he wants the ball.

The email from Mr Griffin, the onetime Secret Millionaire TV star, said: “Do I read it correctly that a deaf footballer makes a grunting sound to attract teammates [sic] attention.

“I long ago gave up watching women’s tennis due to the loud and [un]acceptable level of grunting.

Potters Bar forward Daniel Ailey

“I note that the police were called and I hope they demanded that the footballer should discontinue making noises that could be misinterpreted by members of the crowd.

“Yours in amazement

“John Griffin.”

Now, Action on Hearing Loss, formerly the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, has condemned the abuse from fans at the match, and the comments in the email.

The email in which Addison Lee chairman John Griffin makes the comments about Potters Bar striker Daniel Ailey

Rebecca Griffin, the charity’s head of PR and campaigns, told the Potters Bar Edition: “We are very disappointed by the reported lack of deaf awareness shown by a section of the supporters and hope, in future, they show more respect to a talented footballer who is trying to overcome communication barriers during matches.

“We are also extremely concerned by the comments made by Mr Griffin and expect they will be seen as a spectacular own goal by many of his company’s customers who are deaf or hard of hearing.”

Addison Lee’s press office failed to provide answers to our questions over Mr Griffin’s remarks, confirm whether he was joking or whether the firm believes it is right to joke about the subject.

Mr Griffin could also not be reached for further comment yesterday (Tuesday).