A councillor and former lord mayor of York caused outrage when he welcomed the death of Jack Charlton because of the World Cup winner’s involvement in shooting and angling.
Animal rights activist and Green Party councillor Dave Taylor later apologised for causing offence after he posted controversial comments on Facebook.
Leeds United and England star Jack Charlton died aged 85. Charlton had a passion for shooting and fishing, and Taylor began by saying: “Jack ‘Bloodsports’ Charlton is dead. Good.”
Taylor later posted: “I didn’t advocate being cruel to him, I just don’t think he should be lauded as some sort of hero. F*** him.”
He added: “Sick of the adulation of this animal abuser. Being good at kicking a leather football does not absolve him.”
York Green Party apologised to Charlton’s family and fans. It suspended Taylor and forced him to issue a ‘full and heartfelt’ apology for his ‘thoughtless and crass’ comments.
Later, the Green Party gave Taylor a six-month suspension from its party.
BASC’s Dr Conor O’Gorman says: “A six month suspension by York Green Party is appropriate and we now await the outcome of City of York Council’s code of conduct investigation into the complaints submitted by BASC and others about Cllr Taylor’s comments.
“What is still not clear to us and the wider public is whether or not the York Green Party considers it acceptable for people that shoot or fish to be called animal abusers on social media. We have written again to the Chair of York Green Party seeking clarity on this outstanding issue.
“Abusive comments are being made daily online and some leadership from the York Green Party in telling its supporters that such behaviour is no longer acceptable would be most welcome”.
A petition to York Green Party to sack Taylor has passed 1,000 signatories.
Taylor apologised, too, posting: “I’ve clearly upset a lot of people with my comment about Jack Charlton’s involvement in bloodsports. I apologise for causing offence.”
But the apology was not enough for some, so Taylor apologised again, saying: “It must’ve been upsetting. I apologise. I always hated his involvement in bloodsports, but it was insensitive to mention it now.”
Would you like to complain about Dave Taylor? Here are the resources:
- Click here for the York councillor conduct page on York Council website
- Click here for the complaint forms download page
- Click here to sign the petition to York Green Party to sack him
Please feel free to draw info from this article in your complaint.
