Blackpool chairman apologises for abusive messages

Karl Oyston has apologised for branding a Blackpool fan “a r****d”.

Blackpool chairman apologises for abusive messages

Karl Oyston has apologised for branding a Blackpool fan “a r****d”.

Oyston has come in for strong criticism over the last 36 hours after a series of texts he sent to supporter Stephen Smith were published on the Tangerine Knights’ website.

The Blackpool chairman became embroiled in a furious row with Smith, branding him “a retard” and telling him to ”enjoy the rest of your special needs day out”.

After being criticised by Blackpool fans and a number of organisations, Oyston responded by issuing an apology on the Blackpool website on Monday afternoon.

“I would like to unreservedly apologise for any offence or distress caused by my text responses reported in the media recently,” Oyston said in a statement.

Oyston revealed he had received a number of abusive messages in recent weeks after his phone number was published online.

He conceded he should not have responded to Smith with such language, however.

“I regret stooping to the level of those threatening and abusing my family,” Oyston added.

“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.

“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.”

Oyston said he would make a donation to the club’s Community Trust, which works with a number of organisations that support disabled people.

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