To think this was a dick move by friend/colleague

[Anon5623]

I am a middle / senior manager in private sector. Friends with a guy in my management hierarchy (probably first mistake).

He's very hot headed and blows up about stuff but quickly calms down and apologises. Today I was given almost no notice that we could bring a small team in over the weekend. I put out for volunteers (first come first served) and he just missed the boat.

He had proceeded to send me several comms raging about why one particular person was able to work and it was unfair. He had told me several times he wants to work at weekends but he was too late to apply. I sent him and his Line Manager (who only added fuel to the fire and stoked him up further) a sharp email telling them I could not treat this person less favourably and to mind their tone. I also said anyone who missed the boat this time would be first in line next time.

This friend/colleague comes back and accuses me of "discrimination". In our industry that's a nuclear word to throw at someone as you have to be seen to take it seriously and deal with their concern.

I suspect it was said in heat of moment and he'll regret it afterwards as it 100% was not discrimination. My reputation at work is that I'm by the book and fair. I'm so mad though that he has done this and copied another manager in.

AIBU to think this was a really crappy move?

I would let your manager know immediately, and let them deal with it.

Step away from the friendship with them. You don’t seem friendly enough that they can take a no and respect your decisions.

Address he issue in line with your company policy. If he tries to apologise to you, as a colleague, tell him this and who he needs to contact to formally apologise and retract his comment.
If he tries to apologise as a friend, tell him what a dick move it was and how his temper could effect your career, then tell him it is being dealt with inline with company policy.
He does not sound like a good friend and I would be distancing myself from him.

I would forward his message to you manager and asked if you need to bring in HR as he is accusing you of discrimination in writing.