Crossword Genius

Supporter brings complaint about northern player (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

benefactor

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'supporter' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'complaint about northern player' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'about' could be 'c' (abbreviation for circa) and 'c' is present in the answer.
'northern' could be 'n' (abbreviation e.g. N. Ireland) and 'n' is found within the answer.
'complaint' could be 'beef' (beef can mean a complaint or objection) and 'beef' is found in the leftover letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'brings' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for benefactor that I've seen before include "Patronising sort" , "Person giving to a good cause" , "Donor to a good cause" , "charity supporter?" , "One financially supporting a worthy cause" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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