Wolves fans' anger after Sir Jack labelled 'massive racist'

Barry Gledenning apologised after also likening the much-loved former owner to Adolf Hitler.

Supporters were outraged with the comments, saying they were a 'disgrace' and calling for a boycott of the Guardian, which released the podcast.

It comes just a week after Sir Jack died in Florida aged 91.

In response to an email from someone expressing shock that the previous weekly podcast which paid tribute to Sir Jack had 'glossed over his being an appalling old racist bigot', Mr Glendenning said: "I mean he was a massive racist. But in an endearing kind of way."

He later adds: "But at least he was open about it, but then so was Adolf Hitler and that doesn't make him a nice guy does it?"

Fans besieged Mr Glendenning to defend Sir Jack, with some calling for a boycott of the Guardian.

Tom Hever tweeted: "Just listened to a podcast on your website where Sir Jack Hayward was compared to Adolf Hitler. You horrible bunch of scum bags."

Twitter was ablaze with Wolves fans fury as they reacted to the podcast.

After it was published online Wolves fans besieged The Guardian and Mr Glendenning to show their disgust.

Mike Glaze tweeted: "Absolutely disgusted by the podcast comments on Jack Hayward. Comparing him to Hitler and not being a footy good guy."

Matt Cooper added: "Absolute disgrace of a tabloid, Comparing Jack Hayward to a racist. You kind of morons give journalism a bad name."

Stephen Pearce called for a boycott of the paper.

Phil Mortimer said of the comments: "Disgraceful comments to mention the great Sir Jack in same sentence as Adolf Hitler. Would the same be said if he owned Man Utd?"

And Bobby Garcha added: "You are an absolute disgrace regarding your comments about Sir Jack Hayward. You should be ashamed of yourselves."

Mr Glendenning, who is deputy sports editor of the Guardian website, has now apologised for the comments and said: "I'm very sorry I said racist.

"He was by all accounts a very nice man. He had some old fashioned views. He was happy to declare himself a xenophobe.

"Sir Jack was a great and generous man and a brilliant owner.

"I'm annoyed some Wolves fans now think that's not my view.

"I certainly wasn't comparing him to Hitler. I do not think in any way Sir Jack Hayward was like Hitler."

Wolves have now released details of Sir Jack's funeral, which will be held at 2pm on February 3 at St Peter's Collegiate Church.

The cortege will depart from Molineux before making its way to St Peter's Church.

Attendance will be by invite only, although some seats are being set aside for some Wolves fans to apply for via a ballot by contacting the club.

Arrangements are being made for more people to listen or watch the service close to the church, with details to follow at a later date.