Blackpool FC owners launch £150k libel case against online forum

Owners of Blackpool FC, Owen and Karl Oyston, have launched a libel case against a supporters’ online forum and are seeking £150,000 of damages.

According to The Guardian, papers were served last week after six derogatory comments about the pair were made on the Back Henry Street website last year.

A spokesman for the club has confirmed that the Oystons are taking legal action but has refused to make any further comment.

However, a notice published on Back Henry Street gave more details, it said: “To clear up any rumours, on Thursday 5 February 2015, Back Henry Street was served papers from the court, relating to the Oystons’ and Blackpool Football Club’s intent to seek damages for six allegedly defamatory comments made on the site in 2014, limited collectively at £150k.

“For obvious reasons, we can not go into any more detail at this time. Thank you for your continued support.”

Organisers of the forum have appealed for supporters to help fund their legal costs.

The statement continued: “A message board is perhaps the greatest bastion of free speech and that is a right that can never be threatened,”

“It is not down to just one person to fight the Oystons, it is our collective duty.”

Last week, supporter David Ragozzino was given 21 days to respond to a claim for £150k damages from the club after he posted a message on the Another View From the Tower website.