Jackson gets football fans' approval

Jackson's TV interview was seen by 14m people

Fans of Exeter City FC have backed Michael Jackson after his controversial television appearance.

The pop star - who was made an honorary club director last year - has been criticised after he admitted to allowing children to share his bed.

Exeter City supporters' club chairman Dave Bennett said: "Everyone in the press seems to be giving him a hard time, but I think the vast majority of people here feel differently."

Fans did not even raise the issue when they were given the chance to question club bosses at a regular forum on Tuesday.

From what I have seen there is no need to change his position as an honorary director

Dave Bennett

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Mr Bennett said: "He is just a sad lonely person who likes kids' company.

"From what I have seen there is no need to change his position as an honorary director."

Mr Jackson was offered the place on the board after being invited by friend and co-director Uri Geller.

Mr Geller was a former director at Reading FC, and followed that club's commercial director, Mike Lewis, to Exeter.

Jackson appeared in person at Exeter FC

Since then Mr Geller has recruited the pop star to the club.

However, Mr Bennett said it was a shame Mr Jackson had not offered to help the Division Three club financially.

He said: "From a supporters' point of view, if you want to be associated with a club, you should do something to help them.

"He's got billions, so perhaps be could let us have a few.

"We are in a desperate situation at the moment and it would be nice if this silly circus of high-profile names did something to help."