About time!
Sky TV sacks fan for 'murder' jibe at Liverpool FC supporters on TV
Feb 5 2009 Kevin Core and Luke Traynor
A CHELSEA FC fan was dropped by TV bosses after branding Liverpool supporters âmurderersâ live on air.
Barry Cracknell made the slur as he took part in Sky Sportsâ popular FanZone feature during Sundayâs Premier League game against Chelsea at Anfield.
The Blues fan audibly called Reds supporters âmurderersâ as Liverpool celebrated Fernando Torresâs late goal.
The taunt is sometimes used by rival fans as an apparent reference to the death of Juventus fans at the Heysel stadium in 1985.
Father-of-one David Dennigan, of Dovecot, was watching the match on Sky with his young son Jack when Mr Cracknell made the comment.
He told the ECHO: âI always turn on FanZone because I cannot bear listening to Andy Gray.
âMost of the time, the fans are quite funny â they have a laugh and a bit of banter, but it is usually good-natured.
âRight near the end of the match, after one of the Torres goals, you could quite clearly hear Barry Cracknell call the Liverpool fans âmurderersâ.
âMy son was watching with me and we both reacted to it â I was shocked and Jack asked âwhat did he mean?â.
âI told him I thought it was a reference to Heysel and he should not be allowed to get away with that sort of comment.
âThe Liverpool fan who was watching was so excited about the goal, I do not think he heard.
âSky must review their clips and they should be having a very close look at this one.â
Today, a spokesman for Sky Sports said they had watched the relevant clip and would take action.
It is understood Mr Cracknell will not be invited to take part in FanZone in the future.
The spokesman said: âFanZone commentators are fully briefed about their conduct and we take any lapses very seriously.
âWe are taking a very careful look at the FanZone tapes and we will be talking to this fan about the commentary.
âIn the meantime, he will not be used on any upcoming games.â
FanZone has gained a cult following over the years for its amusing verbal sparring between opposing fans.
The option allows viewers to watch supporters delivering the match commentary.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/02/05/sky-tv-sacks-fan-for-murder-jibe-at-liverpool-fc-supporters-on-tv-100252-22865405/