There was a backlash to an MP praising Oxford United after the FA Cup fixture against Arsenal on Monday night.

Critics are suggesting Lib Dems on the county council and MP Layla Moran have not made it clear whether they support the club moving to a new stadium.

Following the game in which Arsenal beat Oxford United 3-0 on Monday, the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon tweeted: "Bad luck Oxford. Amazing effort especially in first half. Scoreline was harsh but they should be proud. Next year hopefully."

READ MORE: Oxford United boss Karl Robinson on the importance of new stadium

One U's fan Joe Seeney replied: "Once the lease expires on the Kassam and unless we have a new ground, there may come a time when you won’t be able to tweet out 'Next year'. We need your support now in being able to find a new home."

Oxford Mail: MP Layla Moran MP Layla Moran (Image: Oxford Mail)

United remain on the search to build a new stadium with Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet set to make a decision on whether to enter formal negotiations regarding leasing council-owned land at The Triangle - south of Kidlington Roundabout - on January 24.

United’s licence agreement at the Kassam is set to run out in 2026, after which point the club could find itself homeless.

 

 

 

Rufy Rou replied to the tweet: "We won’t be playing in Oxfordshire in 5 yrs time - in fact the Club probably won’t exist unless you and others support our community club in our stadium bid. It’s not just about football - it’s about community for us all."

Another football fan, Liam Walker, commented: "Do you feel at all churlish piggybacking on the club you refuse to support in the way that actually matters. It is your councillors that is putting the club at risk, at both county and parish level. Of course you are already well aware of that. But any PR opportunity eh…."

After the Arsenal game, U's boss Karl Robinson and ITV pundits highlighted how crucial the hunt for a new stadium is.

READ MORE: Ciaron Brown booking against Arsenal to be investigated by the FA

Karl Robinson said: “We forget that football is at the heartbeat of every community across our country.

“The reason why you come to watch the greatest teams in the land is because we love football.

“Within heartbeats of communities, you have to have a central focus point. Nine times out of 10, that’s a football stadium.

“For us, not to have a home that we can call ours is something that becomes very difficult.

Oxford Mail: Oxford United fans watching the Arsenal gameOxford United fans watching the Arsenal game (Image: David Fleming)

“We have to make a stadium our home and our focal point.

“We want to find a way of this being the centre of our community, we’re the only professional sport team in the county.

“From that point of view, we’ve got a massive job on our hands to make sure we have a stadium.”

Ms Moran said: “I was delighted to see Oxford United reach the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Although the scoreline was hard, the players should be extremely proud of themselves.

“I have been listening to local councillors, residents, and fans on the proposals for a new stadium in Kidlington. 

“There is widespread support for finding a new home for the club, but also a lot of legitimate concerns from residents in Kidlington and North Oxford about the initial proposals that have to be taken into account as any plans progress."

“I have encouraged the County Council Cabinet to keep discussions going with both the club and with local parish councils to try to find a solution which is acceptable to everyone.”

 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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