Question One

Arnie, a Premiership football referee, was officiating in a tense local derby between Nottingley United and Nottingley City. During the match Arnie disallowed two United goals and refused them a penalty kick. After the game, which City won 1-0, the United captain, Bertie, shouted loudly at Arnie "Oi, Referee. You are a disgrace. That match was a fix. All referees are in on this scam. City win the league every year because they are lining your pockets." The comments were heard by a large section of the crowd, including Clive, a local journalist with the Nottingley Sport Newspaper.

Clive decided to investigate the comments and after extensive research the Nottingley Sport published the story under the headline: "The Final Whistle: How City really won the League". The story alleged that Nottingley City matches had been fixed by Arnie for many years and that he had taken bribes from the club's chairman, Fred. During his investigation Clive attempted to speak to Arnie and Fred but they refused to be interviewed. Alongside the story was a photograph of Arnie with two other Premiership referees, Eric and Ernie, with the caption "Referee took bribes to fix games".

Since the story was published Arnie has not been able to referee due to threats from fans and Eric and Ernie have suffered significant embarrassment.

Advise Arnie, Fred and Eric and Ernie as to any action they could take in the tort of defamation.

(PLEASE USE UK LAW)