Monday 22 December 2014 21:40, UK
Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has issued a statement apologising for any offence caused by comments he made about disabled people.
He became embroiled in an angry text message exchange with Steve Smith, who is a member of the Tangerine Knights Supporters Group.
Oyston is now facing calls to resign after the messages were made public but he has apologised for the remarks, although he insists they were made in response to abusive comments aimed at his family after his mobile phone number was made public.
“I would like to unreservedly apologise for any offence or distress caused by my text responses reported in the media recently. I regret stooping to the level of those threatening and abusing my family,” Oyston said in a statement on Blackpool’s official website.
“My mobile number was placed on a social media website recently and it led to a barrage of abuse about my mother, father, wife, children and myself.
I would like to unreservedly apologise for any offence or distress caused by my text responses.
“In hindsight the aim of this was clear, and I foolishly opted to challenge some of the abuse, harassment and threats.
“Given my position, I should have acted with more responsibility and reported the abusive text messages, phone calls and answer phone messages to the police, rather than get embroiled in such an exchange. “
But Smith believes Oyston acted in a way unbefitting of the chairman of a Football League club.
“I think it was quite important that the messages were released into the public domain,” said Smith.
“The wording and political incorrectness of what Karl put in the messages is damning.
“His reference to special needs and disabilities – as well as a generalised reference towards Blackpool fans – is not befitting of anybody who runs a Football League club and not of someone who is a committee member of the Football League itself.
“It’s poor form and it’s quite clear that Karl should immediately resign as chairman of Blackpool Football Club and leave his position as committee member of the Football League.”
Tim Fielding, chairman of the Blackpool Supporters’ Trust, has also voiced his disappointment at Oyston’s comments.
“To say it is a shock of what has been written is an understatement. You have to question what he is thinking about,” said Fielding.
“We live in an age where discrimination isn’t meant to be tolerated and those types of comments have no place in decent society.”
The Football Association is yet to confirm if it is to hold an investigation into the allegations and is currently at the early stage of gathering information.
