Smith: Oyston should still resign

Oyston apologised after messages from a furious row with Blackpool fan Stephen Smith were published on the website of the Tangerine Knights, a club supporters' group, over the weekend.

Oyston, who has clashed with the club's fans on several occasions during his tenure, called Smith "a retard" and told him to "enjoy the rest of your special needs day out."

During the text exchange, Oyston used numerous swear words and called Smith "educationally subnormal" and a "sad act".

Oyston said he had received a series of abusive messages recently after his phone number was published online, but admitted he should not have responded with such offensive language and promised to make a donation to the club's Community Trust, which works with a number of organisations that support disabled people.

"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.

"I regret stooping to the level of those threatening and abusing my family.

"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."

If Oyston thought that would conclude the matter, then he looks set to be disappointed.

When asked whether he accepted Oyston's apology, Smith told Press Association Sport: "Absolutely not.

"The apology is weak.

"He has said that he is responding to messages that threatened and abused his family.

"I did not threaten or abuse any member of his family.

"His position as chairman is untenable. He has no choice but to resign."

Smith complained to the Football Association on Monday and it is gathering evidence on the matter before deciding whether to charge Oyston.

The Blackpool fan admitted he tried to wind Oyston up to get a reaction out of him, but he did not anticipate to receive the kind of language dished out by the chairman, who has been at the club for 15 years.

Smith added: "By far the worst one, for me, was the comments about special needs day out because my previous message was about me prioritising my family day out over talking to him.

"He then responds by saying enjoy your special needs day out.

"I can take personal abuse off Karl towards me with a pinch of salt but he then attacks mine and my partner's children. I take that personally."

Oyston has faced several protests about his running of the club, with a section of fans organising a walk-out during a home game against Cardiff City in October.

And it now looks likely there will be a protest against Oyston during the Seasiders' next game at Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day.

"I think it is perfectly clear the fans are going to make their opinions heard and that will be done at the next match," Smith added.

Blackpool Supporters' Trust chair Tim Fielding was dismayed by the latest bout of negativity surrounding his club, who are bottom of the Sky Bet Championship.

"I'm astonished," Fielding said.

"If anyone at my work had said those comments they would have been bounced straight out of the door."

Steve Melrose, a lifelong Blackpool fan who has a 10-year-old autistic son, has decided to ditch the Tangerines and go to Fleetwood Town matches instead.

"I'm absolutely disgusted. I won't be going anywhere near the football ground until (Oyston) has left," Melrose said.

Chair of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out Lord Herman Ouseley said: "Someone like Mr Oyston is supposed to set the standard and the tone for the organisation. And if that's the nature, conduct and views of the person who runs the club it suggests they are comfortable and content with such conduct which is unacceptable.

Ismail Kaji, who works for mental health charity Mencap, said: "I am glad Karl Oyston has apologised but using the language that he used is never justified.

"I have a learning disability and am a big football fan but I would feel ashamed to support any football club that has a chairman who uses such unacceptable language to people with a disability. This language is just as bad as using racist or homophobic words and I hope the FA treats this as seriously."