Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has apologised for making derogatory remarks towards a fan of the club via text message.
It was revealed on Sunday that Oyston had been involved in an angry exchange with the supporter, whom he allegedly branded a "retard".
While Oyston has refused to cave in to pressure and quit his role at Bloomfield Road, the businessman has shown some contrition by saying sorry for his actions.
"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," he said in an official statement.
"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's weekly column in the Blackpool Gazette has been dropped by the newspaper in the wake of the incident.
Jack Prescott
