Ex-Lord mayor suspended after 'thoughtless' and 'crass' remarks over Jack Charlton's death

York councillor Dave Taylor has been suspended by the Green Party over his controversial comments about Jackie Charlton.

The suspension comes as the Green Party councillor for Fishergate issued a 'full and heartfelt' apology to The Yorkshire Post for his 'thoughtless and crass' comments, and said his passion about animal welfare caused him to 'fire from the hip' without consideration of the impact.

York Green Party said the national party's action was a 'no-fault' suspension pending the completion of an internal inquiry.

It said the suspension did not affect his ability to serve as a councillor and hoped that people would 'forgive' Coun Taylor.

Pressure had been mounting for Coun Taylor after he sparked controversy last week when he posted: "Jack 'Bloodsports' Charlton has died. Good" on Facebook, following the death of the 85-year-old England and Leeds United star.

And the petition entitled Sack Councillor David Taylor, which has surpassed more than 7,500 signatures so far, was set up.

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."

In a statement sent to The Yorkshire Post in regards to his suspension Coun Taylor responded: "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."

He added: “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.

"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 a previous statement by the York Green Party it said in response to Coun Taylor's comments: "We would like to apologise to the family of Jack Charlton for any additional upset this has caused at what is clearly an already upsetting time. We would also like to apologise to any fans who were also offended by these comments.

"Animal rights and hunting bring out strong emotions in people and Councillor Taylor made his comments in relation to Jack Charlton’s past involvement and promotion of hunting.

"However, Councillor Taylor now acknowledges that his comments and timing were inappropriate. The Green Party has strong values and it is clear that Councillor Taylor’s comments fall short of these values and what we expect from our elected officials. York Green Party will be taking forward our internal investigation in relation to this."

In response to Coun Taylor’s suspension a spokesman from City of York Council said: "We are unable to comment any further at this time."

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