Bournemouth apologises after matchday staffing email at Vitality Stadium

On 15 August 2026 AFC Bournemouth said it would "do better" after some long-serving matchday staff at the Vitality Stadium were told by email that their services would not be required for the 2026-27 season.

The club acknowledged concerns around how the changes were communicated and said the message, sent from "the safety team" two weeks before the start of the season, "did not reflect the standards we expect of ourselves as a club." The club also said the matchday staffing arrangements for 2026-27 had been reviewed and that it had made changes to roles and working requirements "as we continue to strengthen the safety and security of the stadium, its perimeter and surrounding areas." The Vitality Stadium is the smallest ground in the Premier League.

Bournemouth's statement included further apology language: "These changes are important, but so too is the way we communicate with and treat the people who have served our club. We should have handled this better, and we will do better." The club added: "We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to AFC Bournemouth over the years, and particularly those who have served the club for decades."

Social media posts drew attention to the message's tone. One post on X said a man who has been a member of Bournemouth's matchday staff for nearly 60 years received an email that was four paragraphs long, adding that it was a "disgusting approach."

BBC Sport reported the email informed recipients their contracts would not be renewed and quoted its closing lines: "We appreciate this will be disappointing news. On behalf of everyone at AFC Bournemouth, I would like to thank you for your commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during your time with us. We are grateful for the support you have provided over the years and wish you every success for the future."

The club told BBC Sport it had contacted the individual involved before the public statement was released; the man had been working in the car park and has now been offered employment for next season in a different area.

"We are contacting those affected directly to listen to their concerns and review their individual circumstances," the club said, setting out how it intends to address the matter with staff who received the emails.