Blackpool

Blackpool president Valeri Belokon calls for Karl Oyston resignation

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 23 December 2014

Blackpool president Valeri Belokon calls for chairman Karl Oyston to quit his role at the club after calling a supporter a "retard" in a text message.

Blackpool president Valeri Belokon has called for chairman Karl Oyston to step down from his role due to the ongoing furore over his text to a supporter.

Oyston exchanged a number of abusive messages with Blackpool fan Stephen Smith, during which he called him "a retard" and told him to "enjoy the rest of your special needs day out".

The Tangerines chairman subsequently apologised for his comments, but Belokon has urged him to quit his role and also suggested that he would be willing to buy the family's shares in the club.

"I will write a letter to Karl. I think it's very important of the FA - they will be deciding too - but I will write a letter to Karl Oyston and he should maybe go," Belokon told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I think him as a chairperson in this moment is not a good decision. I would like that he go as chairman.

"Shares of Blackpool... it's private property, so I would like that Karl Oyston or the Oyston family don't hold these shares. They would be much better sold. Would I buy these shares? I spoke before - if I found really good local partners, I can do it."

Belokon currently owns a 20% stake in the club, who are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.