Pressure mounts on ex-Lord Mayor after 'thoughtless' and 'crass' remarks over Jack Charlton's death

York councillor and former Lord Mayor David Taylor has apologised for causing offence after welcoming the death of World Cup winner Jack Charlton because of his involvement in ‘bloodsports.’

In a statement sent to The Yorkshire Post the Green Party councillor for Fishergate said: "I’d like to make a full and heartfelt apology for the comments I made last week after the death of Jack Charlton.

"I am especially sorry for any hurt I may have caused the Charlton family, should the news have reached them about my remark."

Coun Taylor added: "The posting I made on my personal Facebook page was thoughtless and crass in the extreme. As many know, I am passionate about animal welfare and on this occasion it caused me to fire from the hip without due consideration to any wider impact. This will never happen again."

The petition entitled Sack Councillor David Taylor, was set up after Coun Taylor wrote on Facebook about the death of the World Cup-winning footballer.

In reference to the 85-year-old former Leeds United and England star’s enjoyment of shooting, he wrote: "Jack ‘Bloodsports’ Charlton is dead. Good."

Coun Taylor said in a statement to The Yorkshire Post: “I know next to nothing about football and was pretty-much oblivious to Jack’s standing.

"This meant I saw his history in a very unambiguous way. If I had taken the time to think and learn a little bit more, I would have seen many things to admire in Jack, much the same as the wider public."

He added: "I understand why he is a hero, in terms of how he played the game of football, his infectious personality and his loyalty to his class."

In response to Coun Taylor’s recent statement a spokesman from City of York Council said: “We understand some comments were made at the weekend that have caused significant upset.

"We cannot comment further whilst we investigate these allegations."

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