Karl Oyston: I 'unreservedly apologise for any offence or distress caused by texts' to Blackpool fans

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Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has apologised for calling a fan "a retard" during a heated text message exchange.

Blackpool fans have called for his resignation since news broke of the row, during which he also called another fan "a prick" after the humiliating defeat at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Text messages to various supporters were published in the media, but Oyston has now issued an apology on the club website.

"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.

Additional reporting from PA