Chelsea’s former top groundsman accused of grabbing junior worker’s crotch during ‘bullying campaign’

CHELSEA’S former top groundsman was accused of grabbing a junior worker’s crotch during a bullying campaign, an employment panel heard.

Jason Griffin was also said to have told Conor McKnight at a Christmas party: “You will be leaving here in a body bag.”

Chelsea’s former head groundsman Jason Griffin was accused of grabbing a junior worker’s crotch during a bullying campaign

Mr Griffin denied any wrongdoing while Mr McKnight was sacked for gross misconduct having sent 1,500 emails detailing his claims to other clubs and the media.

The tribunal heard Mr McKnight was sacked with immediate effect as a result of these emails in May 2022.

He contested this decision, but his appeal was rejected at a hearing which he was not invited to.

Further emails were sent anonymously on a further seven occasions before more were sent to Mr Griffin individually.

A tribunal upheld Mr McKnight’s subsequent claim of unfair dismissal owing to serious failings in the way the Premier League club handled the disciplinary process — as he was not invited to his appeal hearing.

But it ruled he should not get compensation as he “engaged in serious culpable conduct”.

It made no ruling on his allegations.

Mr Griffin has also left the club.

The Sun attempted to contact both Mr Griffin and Mr McKnight.

Chelsea FC has been approached for comment.