Local schoolboy caught up in social media storm over inflammatory Oscar Knox tweet

The Portadown Football Club youth player who posted an inflammatory tweet following the death of Oscar Knox has publicly apologised.

Michael Bunting, who was suspended by Portadown last night (Friday), issued a statement on Twitter apologising for his earlier remark.

He said, “I would like to issue a public apology on behalf of myself over an incident on social media earlier today where I made a cruel comment under a friend’s post about the death of Oscar Knox. First and foremost I would like to apologise to the Knox family and to my parents, friends, family, St Michael’s School and Portadown FC. I have caused a lot of pain and suffering to the Knox family, my parents, to those at St Michael’s Grammar School and those at Portadown FC.

“I made a severe error of judgement & understand people’s anger. I’ll suffer the consequences of my actions and again I’m truly sorry.”

His Twitter account was later deleted along with that of Eoin McCluskey who had also made an offensive remark about the child’s death.

Portadown Football Club said they will issue a further statement on the issue in due course.

The club have offered their sincere apologies to the family of Oscar.

A spokesman said: “This behaviour is totally unacceptable to everyone at Portadown FC, as we share the grief and loss of this tragic young man’s short life, following his brave battle with cancer.

“The player concerned has been suspended from the Club pending further investigations.”