THE owner of York City Knights has apologised for making an offensive comment on social media.

John Guildford caused controversy when he called two Knights fans “window lickers” - a derogatory comment aimed at people with learning difficulties.

Mr Guildford was attacking fans who have accused him of causing the rugby club to become homeless due to a failure to hold amicable negotiations with City of York Council over the community stadium.

Mencap has criticised the comments with spokesperson Lorraine Bellamy, who has a learning disability, describing it as unacceptable.

She said: “Hate crime and bullying are a daily reality for many disabled people and the use of language like this only makes it worse. It is good that he apologised. I hope he never says something like this again.

However, Mr Guildford said in a statement that he had been subject to severe provocation and in a “moment of madness” decided to respond. He has apologised and said he regrets any distress caused.

Mr Guildford said his comments are being investigated by the RFL - the governing body of rugby league.