The Football Association has launched an investigation into texts sent by Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston to one of the club's supporters, according to reports.
Oyston has come under pressure to step down from his role at the club, having called fan Stephen Smith a "retard" during a series of text messages between the pair.
Blackpool president Valeri Belokon is among those who have urged Oyston to quit, despite the controversial chairman apologising earlier this week.
It is understood that Smith has submitted his version of events to the FA, who will now gather more evidence from both sides before deciding whether or not to charge the chairman.
A number of Blackpool fans have created an online petition that has drawn more than 1,000 signatures calling for Oyston and his father Owen, who owns the club, to stand down.
Blackpool currently sit bottom of the Championship table and were thrashed 6-1 by leaders Bournemouth on Saturday. They take on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Boxing Day.
Barney Corkhill
