Football fans poured in tweets yesterday to show their support to Leyton Orient after it was revealed the E10 club had received a winding up petition by the HMRC.
A winding up petition is presented in court and if not satisfied the judge can then make up an order.
This is described as the process of selling all the assets of a business, paying off creditors, distributing any remaining assets to the partners or shareholders and then dissolving the business
The club and the creditors are to attend High Court on Monday, March 20 where the court will decide, according to the Football League paper, if the O's are likely to pay the £250,000 sum. If not they face being liquidated.
London's second-oldest team are already on course for relegation from the Football League for the first time in their history.
Vice-chair of Leyton Orient Fans’ Trust (LOFT) Tom Davies said: “I am a bit shocked about the news but not completely surprised.
“There have been rumours flying around that the players and taxes were not being paid. People have been discussing all sorts of events if this was to happen.”
The LOFT are holding a pre-arranged special general meeting tonight at Leytonstone & District Ex-Servicemens club, starting at 7.45pm.
"It makes our meeting even more urgent,” Davies added.
“I am certainly very worried. Other clubs are served winding up petitions. Hartlepool have had a few in the last few months. But what normally happens, they normally scrimmage together what they can.
“But with Becchetti he is so unpredictable and so uncontactable. He doesn’t want to invest in the club but he doesn’t want to let it go.”
However, the football world should solidarity with the O's faithful.
@D_Blundell @GuardianOrient @DulcetDave @OrientOutlook Amazing how one man can spread so much destruction and unhappiness.
— Brian Hopson (@Bushwooder) March 1, 2017
@GuardianOrient good luck on the 20th.
— Rosie Dodds (@RosieDodds86) March 1, 2017
Think all @SwansOfficial fans should help and get behind @LOFCSupporters, after their support for us in 2003 https://t.co/kjbaau07lu
— Sean Cronin (@SirCronin86) March 1, 2017
Here we go again. Orient this time. It really is time this nonsense was stopped in its tracks. https://t.co/fMJ21NLr8w
— Roger Willis (@rogerhwillis) March 1, 2017
Leyton Orient have got to be the worst side to play here all season but their fans were one of the best
— Mitch (@MitcheIIProcter) February 28, 2017
Even if you "hate" the football team, this is genuinely heartbreaking 😢
— Steve Coleman (@SteveColeman86) March 1, 2017
Not really seeing a way out of it now, even if we avoid this one https://t.co/6XkEfCRpmr
Im with you mate https://t.co/BBf5Bs2trV
— dean cox (@dean_7cox) March 1, 2017
Maybe rivals but hope @leytonorientfc sort themselves out #lofc
— Deano (@deanallum) March 2, 2017
So sorry to hear about #LOFC troubles. We’ve gone through similar and come out other side. Really hope O’s do too. @OrientSteve72 #BCAFC https://t.co/b74itV5UkK
— TheMustachioedBantam (@Gav_The_Bantam) March 2, 2017
Even the sporting profression and MP for Leyton and Wanstead John Cryer took to Twitter to show support.
All lower league fans know it could be their club...wishing the O's the best in their attempts to get out of trouble. https://t.co/MFsPzBxXVG
— Max Rushden (@maxrushden) March 1, 2017
Football clubs are the heartbeat of local communities & must be protected & cherished. Club owners are custodians. Fans are the real owners.
— Tony Incenzo (@TonyIncenzo) March 1, 2017
Crisis-club Leyton Orient are a victim of modern day football, believes former #LOFC owner Barry Hearn... pic.twitter.com/6qo1L6idbN
— Alan Brazil (@SportsBreakfast) March 2, 2017
The news coming out of @leytonorientfc is unbelievable one great club being ripped apart by total Incompetence running of the club.
— Martin Ling (@MartinLing123) March 2, 2017
Unfortunately I can't make tonight's @LOFansTrust meeting but I urge all O's fans to go,the Club needs a strong fans group like never before
— Matt Porter (@MattPorter_LOFC) March 2, 2017
I am deeply saddened to hear of the winding petition served on Leyton Orient by HMRC. I will be doing all I can to support fans' trust 1/2
— John Cryer (@JohnCryerMP) March 1, 2017
fight to save the club. The owner should face some serious questions.
— John Cryer (@JohnCryerMP) March 1, 2017
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