PASSIONS are clearly running high in the light of the crisis facing Darlington Football Club.

Administrator David Clark has blamed the fans for driving away potential investors by directing abuse at former chairman George Houghton and for failing to turn out in sufficient numbers.

It is important to make clear from the outset that there is no place for intimidation and abuse. It is unnecessary, counter-productive and usually born out of ignorance.

That said, the frustrations of Darlington’s hard core of fans are entirely understandable. They have paid hard-earned money to support the Quakers during difficult times, only to see them placed in administration with the prospect of promotion in sight, and now they face the distinct possibility that the club which means so much to them, may be lost.

It is far too simplistic to blame the fans and even the wider community for driving away investors.

Since the move to the stadium in Neasham Road, the club has been marginalised from the local community.

The experience of watching Darlington Football Club in a stadium lacking atmosphere has not been attractive enough.

And, perhaps most importantly, trust in the club has been gradually eroded.

With such a complicated financial structure in place, people stayed away from last Sunday’s fundraising game because they were deeply sceptical about whether paying money over the turnstiles would really make a difference.

This time round, too many people were unconvinced that their attendance would really help save their club.

That is the truth, however unpalatable it may be.