Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston took a surprising step in denying five Football Association charges for text messages during which he labelled a supporter a ‘retard’. The unpopular chief initially had until March 30 to reply, but was granted an extension. His appeal is expected to be heard by a separate FA panel next month and Oyston still faces a ban from football activities. Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has decided to contest his FA charge for allegedly abusive text messages . Oyston - who has been the constant target of fan protests over the course of the Seasiders’ worst season for decades - is also looking at a hefty fine and mandatory four-hour FA education course. The shocking text messages, seen by Sportsmail, emerged just before Christmas when he sent a series of vitriolic volleys to fan Stephen Smith, who he told to 'enjoy the rest of your special needs day out'. Oyston later apologised for his part in the exchange, and it is understood his denial boils down to a reasonable expectation of privacy. The development comes just days after pensioner Frank Knight, a lifelong fan, was ordered to pay £20,000 in damages for alleged defamatory remarks made on his Facebook page. The footballing world rallied around Knight, with a kickstarter fund amassing the thousands he needed to pay. On announcing Oyston’s denial, an FA statement read: ‘It is alleged that the misconduct constituted five breaches of FA rules, and that during the text message exchange, Mr Oyston used abusive and/or insulting words towards a supporter of Blackpool FC. ‘It is further alleged that each of these five breaches of FA Rule E3(1) is an ‘Aggravated Breach’ as defined in Rule E3(2), as each included a reference to disability. ‘Mr Oyston has denied the charge.’ It is not the only example of foul-mouthed exchanges to have happened in a bitter campaign. The Oystons are extremely unpopular at the club, and fans have been protesting against their ownership . In a another rant from Oyston, who also had abuse hurled at him, said: 'Stop texting f******, you shouldn't have ever started as you are one tiresome f***** that should spot trains not watch football. Get a life and consider yourself banned from the stadium. 'You are banned because I think you are a p****. 'Impossible to have a meaningful conversation with such a f******* as you.' Oyston also joked with other fans that plans are afoot to see Blackpool, a Premier League side four years ago, spiral down to the Conference, with another text reading: 'I am a never-ending nightmare revenge mission'. Their relegation to League One was confirmed early last week and they are on course to tally the lowest number of points ever in the modern day second tier. There is to be a mass demonstration against their despised reign prior to the final game of the season against Huddersfield next Saturday. The content of the vile messages first emerged just before Christmas and Oyston came in for widespread condemnation. Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out registered their disgust, with local paper the Blackpool Gazette scrapping the chairman’s weekly column with immediate effect. Supporters have been protesting against the Oystons before matches and then not attending the games . Blackpool’s off-field problems have become such a distraction that the club posted an article on their official site clarifying their stance on ongoing defamation cases, one involving a national newspaper. Their lengthy statement on Tuesday read: ‘Reluctantly, the company has been compelled to take action against a number of individuals and organisations following online postings or articles that contained vile lies and abuse about the club, its directors and players. To date, three settlements have been agreed with several further cases pending against other individuals and a national newspaper. ‘Any payments from court or agreed settlements will be anonymously distributed to Fylde and North West based charities. The rationale of this policy is to avoid the adverse reaction towards such charities that accept the donations, as was the case when the club donated the first settlement to a leading, vibrant and forward thinking charity in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. ‘The latest settlement of £20,000 will be paid over four years in equal installments, with the charities set to benefit as and when the money is received by the club. ‘For the avoidance of doubt, the club, directors, management staff and players would far prefer not to take any defamation action against any individual or organisation, but must continue to take action where necessary to combat the false, misleading stories and lies that are being perpetuated.’
Karl Oyston will face charges next month over shocking text messages . Oyston faces a ban from footballing activity if found guilty . He could also be handed a fine and mandatory FA education course . Blackpool chairman send abusive messages to a fan before Christmas .