69 year old Thompson is well known to Lincoln City fans who travel on the coaches to away games, he had been the treasurer of Lincoln City Supporters' Trust for several years and was also involved in the Mukherjee Brothers' Charitable Trust.

On Thursday morning it emerged that Thompson had pleaded guilty to a theft of £42,000 from the charity upon the death of Sibnath Mukherjee two years ago.

Although Thompson has yet to comment on the situation, Chris Ashton, Chairman of the Supporters' Trust, did speak to the Lincolnshire Echo.

"I am absolutely gobsmacked and astounded. I can't believe this has happened. It is very sad news for us as a group and of course the Mukherjee charity. I have heard a great deal about the work it does and it is a marvellous charity," said Ashton, another well known Lincoln City supporter due to his volunteer work on behalf of the club. "I don't understand why anyone would want to steal any money from an organisation like that. I am completely shellshocked."

Despite also stating at the time that he was unsure as to what would happen with regards to Thompson, a brief statement appeared on the Supporters' Trust website on Thursday evening.

"Lincoln City Supporters' Trust can confirm that as from Wednesday, 7th December 2011, Michael Thompson is no longer a member of the Lincoln City Supporters' Trust board." (http://www.impstrust.org.uk)

It has also been confirmed that an independent financial audit will take place at the appropriate time.

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.