Blackpool FC Chairman wins libel damages from a fan
The chairman of Blackpool Football Club has won £30,000 libel damages from a fan - just a day after the club were relegated.
The chairman of Blackpool Football Club has won £30,000 libel damages from a fan - just a day after the club were relegated.
Karl Oyston brought proceedings against Stephen Reed over material posted on a website called Back Henry Street, which is used by followers of the club, in June 2015.
Mr Justice Langstaff in the High Court said that Mr Reed was among fans who were concerned with the way in which the club was managed since Mr Oyston's father, Owen, was involved in its purchase.
Karl Oyston and his wife, Victoria, had been the subject of online abuse - some of which had come from the group of which Mr Reed was part - which had caused them concern and distress, and he wanted it to stop.
The posting said that Mr Oyston entered into a foul-mouthed rant at Mr Reed in public, held a gun in such a way as to make Mr Reed believe he was about to shoot at him and had assaulted Mr Reed and put him in fear for his safety or even his life.
Judgment for Mr Oyston was entered in August 2015 and Mr Reed now accepted that Mr Oyston had not brandished a gun at him - although he maintained he had not told lies about the incident since he had given his honest opinion.
In a ruling on damages on Monday, the judge said that Mr Oyston's conduct during the incident was blameless and the untrue libel was seen by a substantial number of viewers.
He added that further libel had not been discouraged by an award in an earlier action brought by Mr Oyston against another supporter, David Ragozzino.
The court ruled: The effect of allegations such as those made in the present case appears to have been to stir up, and maintain, resentment of and hostility toward the claimant so long as he remains involved with the running of Blackpool.''
The extent of the publication, the continued repetition of untruths, the aggravation of it by sending a scurrilous'' letter to Mrs Oyston, the distress and hurt caused and the need for vindication required an award of £30,000. Mr Reed, who says he is an undischarged bankrupt, was also ordered to pay Mr Oyston's costs.
Blackpool were relegated to League Two on the final day of the season on Sunday.