Why do people hate mk dons

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: People hate MK Dons primarily because the club was controversially relocated from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes in 2003, which many fans viewed as destroying Wimbledon FC's identity. The move was approved by an FA commission in 2002 despite widespread opposition, leading to the formation of AFC Wimbledon by protesting fans in 2002. MK Dons faced years of boycotts and protests, with only 3,000-4,000 average attendances initially despite Milton Keynes having over 200,000 residents. The club's 2004 rebranding to MK Dons and subsequent successes, including promotion to the Championship in 2015, have been seen by critics as rewards for what they consider franchise football.

Key Facts

Wimbledon FC was relocated 56 miles from London to Milton Keynes in 2003
The FA commission approved the move on May 28, 2002 by a 2-1 vote
AFC Wimbledon was founded by protesting fans on June 30, 2002
MK Dons averaged only 3,000-4,000 attendance in their first seasons (2003-2005)
The club achieved promotion to the Championship in 2015 after winning League One

Overview

The hatred toward MK Dons stems from one of English football's most controversial episodes: the relocation of Wimbledon Football Club to Milton Keynes in 2003. Wimbledon FC, founded in 1889 as Wimbledon Old Centrals, had a storied history including their famous 1988 FA Cup victory over Liverpool. However, financial troubles in the late 1990s led owner Pete Winkelman to propose moving the club 56 miles north to Milton Keynes, a new town without a professional football team. The Football Association established a three-person commission that approved the move on May 28, 2002 despite overwhelming opposition from Wimbledon supporters and football traditionalists. The relocated club played its first match as Milton Keynes Dons on August 30, 2003 at the National Hockey Stadium, beginning what many consider a franchise model alien to English football's community-based traditions.

How It Works

The mechanism behind the MK Dons controversy involves several key processes in English football governance. First, club ownership changes allowed businessman Pete Winkelman to gain control of Wimbledon FC through his Inter MK Group. Second, the FA's commission system provided a pathway for relocation approval despite opposition from the Football League and fans. Third, the rebranding process transformed Wimbledon FC into Milton Keynes Dons, with new colors (white and red instead of blue and yellow), a new crest, and new traditions. Fourth, the club's subsequent development included building a new stadium (Stadium MK opened in 2007) and pursuing on-field success while facing ongoing protests. Fifth, the parallel existence of AFC Wimbledon—founded by original Wimbledon fans in 2002—created a direct contrast between community-owned football and what critics call franchise football.

Why It Matters

The MK Dons situation matters because it represents a fundamental challenge to English football's identity and traditions. For traditionalists, it set a dangerous precedent that clubs could be relocated for commercial reasons, threatening the community roots that define English football. The controversy highlighted tensions between football as business versus football as community institution, with MK Dons becoming a symbol of commercialization. Practically, it led to ongoing boycotts by other clubs' fans and created a unique rivalry where AFC Wimbledon refused to play MK Dons for years. The clubs finally met in 2012, with AFC Wimbledon winning 2-1 in an emotionally charged FA Cup match. The case continues to influence discussions about club ownership, fan rights, and what constitutes legitimate football heritage in England.