Mark Lawn did NOT cheer for City’s opposition in the FA Youth Cup at Valley Parade.

An internet story claimed the joint-chairman had clapped and encouraged Marine on Tuesday night in a public spat with Archie Christie.

But the report, which appeared within hours of head of player development Christie’s resignation, has been dismissed by John Hendrie.

The City legend was sitting NEXT to Lawn outside the 1911 Club for the youth-team game and confirmed that he never once backed the visitors.

Hendrie said: “I can vouch that what has been claimed is absolute rubbish. I saw the story and couldn’t believe what I was reading because it never happened.

“The comments purported to come from Mark Lawn allegedly took place in the second half. Well, I was sitting within four feet of him for the whole of the second half and extra-time.

“Phil Parkinson and Steve Parkin were the other side of him. Archie Christie was in the row in front and Dave Baldwin was a couple of seats further along.

“If anything like that had taken place, don’t you think we’d all have heard it? The only vocal one there was Archie Christie bellowing at the ref.”

Hendrie is no longer connected directly to City after leaving his post as an age-group coach during the summer. He stressed he was making his point as an “independent observer”.

He said: “I’m not paid by the football club and nobody has forced me to say anything. I do the radio now and again but I’m not tied to anyone. But someone has to stick up for Mark here.

“I’ve had my disagreements with Mark Lawn in the past. We’ve had our differences of opinion on different things and I’ve not always agreed with what he has said or done.

“But I will say it how it is and there’s no way Mark should be getting criticised for something that never happened.”

The T&A understands that City have had to draft in extra security for this afternoon’s game with Cheltenham after the police expressed their concern.

Hendrie said: “Somebody has left the club but it was his choice. Let him move on and let’s get behind the club.

“Instead of people putting their energies into vilifying the chairman over rumours that are totally untrue, they should be supporting their team towards a victory. We’re here for the club.”