THE storm that has engulfed Oxford’s deputy Lord Mayor Tony Brett over the past couple of days is another depressing example of a handful of keyboard warriors attempting to humiliate and smear a man because he dares to disagree with them.

Mr Brett was facing calls to resign yesterday. His crime? To have criticised members of Oxford Unite Against Fascism (OUAF) for their conduct after they turned up in anticipation of a rally by the English Defence League at St Giles war memorial on Saturday.

Comments posted on Mr Brett’s blog and on Twitter accused him of endorsing and supporting the EDL and, by extension, racism because he effectively said OUAF members were behaving in a yobbish manner.

Anyone who claims, as some have, that Liberal Democrat Mr Brett is an EDL supporter or racist is, to be frank, a moron, or a bully. Possibly both.

Mr Brett attended the event as a local councillor and community leader because he was concerned about the EDL’s presence. In the end, they did not appear, so it is ironic that he has been targeted by the other side of the extremist spectrum.

Some members of the OUAF have clearly twisted his presence and subsequent comments to try to discredit him and force his resignation for expressing an opinion they do not like.

The horrific killing of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich has the potential to cause real division in our society, something that extremists on both sides would no doubt welcome.

Like the vast majority of people, we would rather take our chances with outspoken supporters of democracy and tolerance like Mr Brett.