Plymouth`s acting chairman Peter Ridsdale has been cleared by Cardiff Trading Standards in relation to accusations of unfair trading and fraud brought against him earlier this year. Ridsdale was accused of making false representations in the `Golden Ticket` scheme at Cardiff, which offered season-ticket holders a refund if the club were promoted to the Premier League should they renew early ahead of the 2010/11 campaign.
"The decision by the City of Cardiff Trading Standards Agency to offer 'no evidence' in relation to the charges previously brought to the Courts is a complete vindication of my publicly stated position that there was never a case to answer," Ridsdale said.
"It is most unfortunate that this case was brought before the courts and that it has brought disruption to my personal life and unnecessary reputational damage. I spent five years in the wonderful city of Cardiff and sincerely believe that my contribution to saving the football club from financial meltdown, building both the new stadium and training ground and taking Cardiff City to three Wembley appearances, speaks for itself.
"I am proud of my contribution to this city and walk away from the Courts completely innocent of any wrongdoing. I now go back to Plymouth to finish the job that I started earlier this year in ensuring, both, their survival and new ownership. In completing this task, just like at Cardiff, I will have proved my critics and doubters wrong."
