Carlisle United Vice-President, Andy Bell has stepped down from his role at the club following comments made on Twitter over Hillsborough.

The tweets, apparently mocking the Liverpool fans, appeared on Mr Bell’s Twitter account on the day of Hillsborough inquest verdict.

Mr Bell had claimed he had been the victim of a hack but faced severe criticism and calls to step down.  

Following conversations with the club this morning, Andy Bell issued the following statement via the club’s official website.

“I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as Vice President of Carlisle United Football Club.

“I have always had the best intentions for the club and it appears that severing ties will help preserve the positive reputation that Carlisle United have forged in the local and wider community. 

“When the 2015/16 season finishes, I will no longer sponsor Carlisle United in any commercial capacity, something which has been discussed and agreed with the chairman.

“However, I will continue to be a Carlisle United fan for the rest of my life and wish them nothing but the best as a supporter. 

“I’ve enjoyed sponsoring the club during the past five years, through good times and bad.

“One of the proudest days of my life was seeing the United team playing with my business emblazoned on the shirt. 

“I’d like to thank Andrew Jenkins for giving me an honorary position at Carlisle United FC and for the opportunity to help my local club.

“It’s been a fantastic five years and I look forward to now watching them from the terraces.”