A multi-millionaire taxi tycoon who compared a deaf Potters Bar footballer with ‘grunting’ female tennis players has publicly apologised for the slur.

John Griffin, chairman of the UK’s biggest minicab firm Addison Lee made the controversial comments about Potters Bar Town FC player Daniel Ailey.

Ailey was abused by a small section of Grays Athletic fans during a mid-week game against the club last month.

Police were called and the incident was reported to the FA after the game, which was stopped when abusive fans began mocking the way the midfielder communicates with his team mates.

Following the incident, Mr Griffin, who lives in a mansion in Potters Bar and is believed to be worth £50million, sent an email to a local newspaper with his view of events.

It read: “Do I read correctly that a deaf footballer makes a grunting sound to attract team mates attention? I long ago gave up watching women’s tennis due to the loud and unacceptable level of grunting.

“I note that the police were called and I hope they demanded that the footballer should discontinue making noises that could be misinterpreted by members of the crowd.”

The 69-year-old businessman subsequently apologised and, in a statement, said: "I regret any offence caused by my comments. This was certainly not my intention and I apologise."

Potters Bar supporters initially stepped in when they heard the taunts before the referee briefly stopped the game while arguments in the 106-strong crowd took place.

Former Fulham Deaf player Ailey, who has a young son and has also played for Great Britain’s deaf football team, was said to be very upset by the chants.

Potters Bar chairman Peter Waller said the player has been a lot more introverted since the incident and that he is going away for a long weekend with his partner and son.

The 61-year-old said: “We were very shocked. I’m disappointed with any remarks in the original incident and the subsequent email. He’s a good footballer and we’re very proud to have him here.

“It is not acceptable, particularly after we have just watched the wonderful Paralympic Games and seen what they can do. For someone to mock Daniel is appalling and it would be nice if they came forward to apologise.

“This has just shown the kind of things that people with disabilities have to put up with and the fact they need as much support as they can get.”

Ailey was abused when he came on as a substitute in the second half of the non-league game on October 23, which finished 2-0 to Grays Athletic.

Police were called to the Pakex Stadium, in Watkins Rise, but left when it appeared the abuse had stopped.

An Addison Lee spokeswoman said: "Our Chairman has apologised for the comments made and for any offence that has been caused. Addison Lee is an equal opportunities employer and we are strongly committed to employing disabled people as is demonstrated through our membership of the ‘Two Ticks’ scheme."