Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton to appear on Irish S*n sponsored programme

New sponsor for RTE Sport Premier Soccer Saturday.

RTÉ Sport’s Premier Soccer Saturday is to be broadcast in front of a live audience for the first time on 30 April, in association with programme sponsor the Irish S*n.

Presenter Darragh Maloney will be joined by former Premier League players and Irish internationals Ray Houghton, Ronnie Whelan and Kenny Cunningham for the show, and audience members will be able to interact with the RTÉ soccer panel for discussion of all the issues.

The show will include highlights of all Saturday’s games including the London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham, as well as discussion of the Premier League title race.

Soccer fans can win tickets for the live audience event by listening to Sport At 7 on RTÉ Radio 1 (from Friday, 1 April to Wednesday, 6 April ), RTÉ 2fm’s Ballbusters this Saturday 2 April or by checking out the Irish Sun.

Premier Soccer Saturday presenter Darragh Maloney said: ‘I’m really excited about the live show and there is going to be a really great atmosphere in studio on the night.

‘As the presenter I try to ask the panel the questions that I think the viewers at home want to know but this time they’ll be the ones actually doing the asking so I think the guys are set for a real grilling.’

Both of them should resign in protest. Zero tolerance.  Liverpool Football Club has given them their status to appear as highly paid analysts and commentators. 

2 idiots

Tell RTE they wont be available for that airing simple as that. But these 2 wont they stink of once a red so what

Whelan is a c**t so expect him to continue his role. As for for Ray, i would be surprised as i thought he was better than that.

Pair of 

Be disgusted in the pair of them if they continue to work for the show, if anything should hammer home to them that resigning will be the right thing to do, its the Hillsbrough anniversary given that both former players were first team players at the time of tragedy.

They should make it clear they will not be available for the programme but the sad thing is they won't and even worse will probably not see what is wrong in what they are doing.

Let's see if integrity has a price. One would hope that they would do the right thing but as both (it would seem) haven't a pot to piss in; I doubt they will.

Our Irish fans, if we get the chance on the night, should remind everyone what this sh*t-rag stands for. ...loud and F***ing clear.

Darragh maloney lives round the corner from me a few letters in his door might change things.Or we can send some hateful emails to RTE.

Letters might work. Stay polite but assertive, if you can; direct him to the "Don't buy The S*n" thread and ask him to 'put the bounce' on Houghton & Whelan.

I'm off to e-mail RTE.

Will do the same meself.

I'm off to e-mail RTE.

Done: premiersoccer@rte.ie

Dear Sir/madam,

I have noted that, on the 30 April, Premier Soccer Saturday will be live (in association with The S*n).

I note two that the panel, which includes both Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton, will be asked questions.

I should be glad if you would ask both these members:

1: Given the continuing boycott of The S*n newspaper by the people of Liverpool: How do you reconcile your status as Liverpool 'stars' (captain in Whelan's case) with appearing on a S*n sponsored programme?

2: Are you really prepared to forego that status for a few quid?

Thanks in advance,

*** *** *****

JFT96 - They will never walk alone.

Going to give them a chance before I hang them out to dry.

Email sent.

Disgraceful act by these two, should know better.

Thought these guys knew better then this. Disgusting act by former Liverpool players.

Each to their own, but if they stay, don't show your faces again.

If they do stay enjoy your 30 pieces of silver, and the knowledge you will be hated, where once you were adored.

Each to their own, but if they stay, don't show your faces again.

If they do stay enjoy your 30 pieces of silver, and the knowledge you will be hated, where once you were adored.

This, but if they go they get my respect...........hope they do the right thing.

Done: premiersoccer@rte.ie

Dear Sir/madam,

I have noted that, on the 30 April, Premier Soccer Saturday will be live (in association with The S*n).

I note two that the panel, which includes both Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton, will be asked questions.

I should be glad if you would ask both these members:

1: Given the continuing boycott of The S*n newspaper by the people of Liverpool: How do you reconcile your status as Liverpool 'stars' (captain in Whelan's case) with appearing on a S*n sponsored programme?

2: Are you really prepared to forego that status for a few quid?

Thanks in advance,

*** *** *****

JFT96 - They will never walk alone.

I sent one meself yesterday but have had no reply did you get one?

I sent one meself yesterday but have had no reply did you get one?

No reply for me either Brian.

They will probably ignore it.

I sent one meself yesterday but have had no reply did you get one?

No reply for me either Brian.

They will probably ignore it.

I'm gonna sent one off now aswell. I think one of the lads sent an email a few years back complaining about Eamon Dunphy and got a reply back.

Sent.

Not heard anything back from the email I sent yesterday either.

I'll be gutted if these guys stay on the show if they know who's sponsoring it. I will certainly not be watching it again.

Disgusted with this. I wont be watching the show anymore. Pity because it was good, but there is a line none of us should ever cross.

Darragh maloney lives round the corner from me a few letters in his door might change things.Or we can send some hateful emails to RTE.

Senseless comment really seen as Daragh Moloney never played for us?
Totally agree with most of the other comments on here though. Surely both still know the feelings at the club and how a move like this will be greeted. They must also know that they will be burning bridges if they go ahead with it, but sadly most people do have a price and that's just the reality!!

I sent one meself yesterday but have had no reply did you get one?

No mate and I have been checking (which is unusual for me). If the 'message' seeps through and they don't reply - fair enough.

If they go through with this, they must KNOW that they will never be forgiven.

Fair play to Souness, he had the balls to stand up and admit his mistake. He didn't make excuses, he just held his hands up.

Whelan and Houghton have no excuse - if they go through with this, they are pissing on the 96, their families, the fans and the club, and I will never forgive them.

Anyone associated with LFC pictured by that sh*t redtop logo should be banned from everything LFC.



Disgrace.

The more support shown by our Irish supporters who show RTE that they are disgusted the bigger the noise. Less viewers is all that matters to the soul-less bas**rds.

I actually sent a different email about something else in RTE to them using a different complaint procedure and got this back the following day

Thank you for contacting complaints@rte.ie.  Your e-mail will be responded to as soon as possible.
 
RTÉ Corporate Communications
 
Go raibh maith agat as ucht do theagmhála chuig complaints@rte.ie.  Cuirfear freagra ort a thúisce agus is féidir linn.

the email address is complaints@rte.ie

They need to act quickly to save their reputations.

That picture suggests that it could be too late.

Then again, Glen Johnson had it removed from his website a few months ago when told.

Yea thats the right email Luis,just got the same reply.

Thank you for contacting complaints@rte.ie.  Your e-mail will be responded to as soon as possible.

 

RTÉ Corporate Communications

 

Go raibh maith agat as ucht do theagmhála chuig complaints@rte.ie.  Cuirfear freagra ort a thúisce agus is féidir linn.

Senseless comment really seen as Daragh Moloney never played for us?
Totally agree with most of the other comments on here though. Surely both still know the feelings at the club and how a move like this will be greeted. They must also know that they will be burning bridges if they go ahead with it, but sadly most people do have a price and that's just the reality!!

Well get your finger out and send a email to this,complaints@rte.ie,And let them know how you feel.

Email sent, leaving them in no doubt about the consequences of their actions 

Got the same email back as well, hopefully they will send a reply tommorow.
At least we've made our fellings known.

Got the same email back as well, hopefully they will send a reply tommorow.
At least we've made our fellings known.

^^^^^ got the same.went straight to rte,yet no reply. Disgusted.

A broadcaster shall give due and adequate consideration to a complaint . made in writing by a person in respect of the broadcasting service provided by the broadcaster which, in the opinion of the broadcaster, has been made in good faith and is not of a frivolous or vexatious nature.

All complaints received in writing or by-email shall be replied to by an appropriate member of the production team within 20 working days.

expect an email back soon.

Pricks of the highest order.

Pricks of the highest order.

They still have time to do the right thing, but i expect it to be the case that money talks.

They still have time to do the right thing, but i expect it to be the case that money talks.

If they are consistent they will prostitute themselves and any moral values they possess for a few dollars more.

Not even arsed about it.

Stopped listening to the views of the likes of Whelan and Houghton after some of the sh*t they were coming out with about Rafa.

Not even arsed about it.

Stopped listening to the views of the likes of Whelan and Houghton after some of the sh*t they were coming out with about Rafa.

Fair enough, but I reckon there's a big difference between slagging off a manager compared to this!

They should know better FFS, how F***ing stupid or inconsiderate are they?

Only a few days after the anniversary, hardly like they wouldn't be fully aware of the timing of all this.

They should know better FFS, how F***ing stupid or inconsiderate are they?

Greed.

Contemptable

Saw something on LFC TV yesterday called "Houghton's Class Of 88-89" where he spoke about the entire season including the Hillsborough disaster. He was saying he was good friends with John Aldridge and how badly it affecting Aldo.

Also said how Aldo refused to go on international duty shortly after the disaster but he had to because he was a professional and that's what he was paid to do.

Then he spoke about how he, Kenny and Aldo went to the first funeral. And Houghton and Aldo went to six or seven funerals together.

So after all that, it sickens me that Houghton would do a show sponsored by the rag.

Doesn't surprise me as much with Whelan. After hearing some of the things he's said, I don't think this club holds a particularly special place in his heart anyway.

Saw something on LFC TV yesterday called "Houghton's Class Of 88-89" where he spoke about the entire season including the Hillsborough disaster. He was saying he was good friends with John Aldridge and how badly it affecting Aldo.

Watched the same show and I wondered how recent it was.  Today, they had one of the 30 favourite video clips on and that had Whelan on it.

Now a programme of clips is different to the Houghton programme in that they would have to cut the whole clip,but I wonder how closely do LFC TV monitor what the ex players are doing when they invite them on?

Have to say, I'm so disappointed in Whelan, he was one of my all time favourite players, don't know why - he just ticked my boxes at the time, but I'm gutted he's become such a gobs***e in recent times.  And he was our F***ing captain that day.

Heroes to zeros.

Don't have any F***ing thing to do with the s*n EVER EVER EVER.

To be honest guys (and I'm gonna be slated for this!) I think this is maybe a step too far. Ronnie and Ray were great servants to the club and when they were asked to be pundits on the show it probably wasn't clear that the shitrag was sponsoring it! I mean how often does a player ask who sponsors a team before signing with them for instance!
I met general all around hero and stand up man John Aldridge last night and asked what his opinion on this was and he reckons the lads are top fellas, were great players and are good pundits and he doesn't see any problem with it at all. This is coming from a man who was there on the day and attended 12 funerals of the victims. So to be honest whilst I respect people's opinions I think its incredibly harsh to go slating and turning our backs on two legends for working for a programme that happens to be sponsored by the S*n.

On this point alone there can be no excuse for them "not reading the small print", they have agents and legal representatives whose job it is to study contracts and devour the detail within.
If it were an isolated incident fair enough but they have both come in for criticism previously for the same disrespecful and insulting conduct.

To be honest guys (and I'm gonna be slated for this!) I think this is maybe a step too far. Ronnie and Ray were great servants to the club and when they were asked to be pundits on the show it probably wasn't clear that the shitrag was sponsoring it! I mean how often does a player ask who sponsors a team before signing with them for instance!
I met general all around hero and stand up man John Aldridge last night and asked what his
 opinion on this was and he reckons the lads are top fellas, were great players and are good pundits and he doesn't see any problem with it at all. This is coming from a man who was there on the day and attended 12 funerals of the victims. So to be honest whilst I respect people's opinions I think its incredibly harsh to go slating and turning our backs on two

legends for working for a programme that happens to be sponsored by the S*n.

I have seen Aldo nearly come to blows on numerous occasions in the boozer with regards to Hillsborough and that piece of sh*t paper, whilst I am not doubting what you are saying I am very very surprised.

They should resign end of.

To be honest guys (and I'm gonna be slated for this!) I think this is maybe a step too far. Ronnie and Ray were great servants to the club and when they were asked to be pundits on the show it probably wasn't clear that the shitrag was sponsoring it! I mean how often does a player ask who sponsors a team before signing with them for instance!
I met general all around hero and stand up man John Aldridge last night and asked what his opinion on this was and he reckons the lads are top fellas, were great players and are good pundits and he doesn't see any problem with it at all. This is coming from a man who was there on the day and attended 12 funerals of the victims. So to be honest whilst I respect people's opinions I think its incredibly harsh to go slating and turning our backs on two legends for working for a programme that happens to be sponsored by the S*n.

I bet Aldo wouldn't do it though, same as Rush, Kenny, Digger etc.  

It's not just about whether they were great servants of the Club.

It's about showing respect for 96 innocent people who lost their lives at a football match.

It's about the disgraceful lies they told, that besmirched the good names of fellow LFC fans and the fact that when they were politely asked to tell the world that they had lied, they refused.

It's about the families of those who perished and the survivors who are still trying to cope with the s**t that happened that day and in the days, weeks, months and years after.

It's about 22 years of fighting to right the wrongs that should NEVER of happened in the first place.

They don't deserve to be considered "great servants of the Club" if they go through with this and I hope they live to regret it for the rest of their days   

From Richard Buxton: "Ray Houghton & Ronnie Whelan digging a big hole by denying any knowledge of reviled newspaper sponsoring panel show they will appear on"

From Richard Buxton: "Ray Houghton & Ronnie Whelan digging a big hole by denying any knowledge of reviled newspaper sponsoring panel show they will appear on"

Well if they're saying they didn't know at the time, they do now and should decline to do it. 

Will teach any media organisation not to involve that rag with anyone connected with LFC, past or present.  In fact, they should make better informed choices in who they do business with.

Well if they're saying they didn't know at the time, they do now and should decline to do it. 

Agreed. As Podge said, they hardly did ask who the sponsor was when they signed on for the show. But they know now so should take the required action.

I have seen Aldo nearly come to blows on numerous occasions in the boozer with regards to Hillsborough and that piece of sh*t paper, whilst I am not doubting what you are saying I am very very surprised.

They should resign end of.

I'm not claiming to be best buddies with Aldo or anything like that, but I was talking to him in Clonmel last night and told him about this thread and asked his opinion. His answer was as I said, they are top blokes, they were great servants to Liverpool football club and they are good at their jobs and he holds no resentment for them in doing what they are doing and he said to quote him on that on here.
I just feel its a bit much. Whilst I'm fully in support of boycotting the sh*t-rag for the horrendous lies they published, I don't feel it's right for people to come on here and bad mouth two great players for Liverpool for doing a job. Another point is the show is only gonna be sponsored by the S*n from April 30th...the boys have been doing the show for a long time. I'm sure the pundits have no say in who sponsors the programmes, they are just paid to talk about football. So by all means people can go ahead and stop watching it (as I probably will myself) and even write angry-worded letters to RTE, but to come on here and slate to men who have done a lot for this club is a step too far in my opinion. At the end of the day, the buck stops with the families and what they feel is right...but the closest view I got was from a player who was there on the day and attended the funerals, and if he can't see a problem with it, then I don't see why a lot of people on here should.

He can't see a problem with it because money has clouded his judgement - or it has been allowed to.

So you think Aldo has been corrupted by money just because he doesn't agree with you?

We're talking about the same man who was willing to significantly dip into his own pocket to get the "Share Liverpool" scheme off the ground! The same man who dipped into his own pocket to keep Tranemere Rovers going when he was manager and they were in a bad financial state. I've never heard anyone accuse Aldo of being money motivated or corrupt before! Shocking that!

Liverpool fans demand Irish duo quit TV show

Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton were last night under intense pressure from Liverpool supporters to withdraw from an RTE television programme sponsored by The Irish Sun newspaper.

The two former Liverpool and Ireland players are being criticised by supporters of the club because of their involvement in the planned live screening of Premier Soccer Sunday on May 1, sponsored by the paper.

The Sun is still held in contempt by Liverpool supporters for the manner in which it reported the deaths of 96 fans at Hillsborough, 22 years ago last Friday.

Four days after the tragedy, the newspaper ran a front page story with the headline 'The Truth' alleging that fans had picked the pockets of victims, urinated on police and beat up a policeman trying to resuscitate a victim. Those allegations were subsequently retracted and an apology issued 15 years later, but the feelings still run deep and a large-scale boycott of the newspaper continues in the city to this day.

Liverpool fans have been using supporter websites and social media outlets to express their anger and disappointment that two players who were in the Liverpool side that day would allow themselves to be associated with a programme so closely linked to the newspaper.

"Their appearance says to Liverpool supporters that there has been a softening of the stance when there hasn't been any softening," Jim Boardman of anfieldroad.com told the Sunday Independent.

"We've boycotted The Sun for 22 years. We're still waiting for justice for the 96 fans who died and I believe that the stories that appeared in The Sun in 1989 have contributed to the families not receiving justice. I would have expected better from a couple of our old heroes."

Ger Kane, a Liverpool fan from Summerhill, Co Meath, echoed those views: "To have two Liverpool players who played that day in Hillsborough to be associated with The Sun really hurts. Ronnie Whelan was captain that day. He knows what this means. They both attended funerals of those who died. I would be amazed if they weren't aware of it. They shouldn't have anything to do with that paper."

Fans have been discussing possible actions they might take in the event of the show going ahead with Whelan and Houghton, including staging a protest outside RTE's Montrose studios on the night. A number of complaints have been sent to RTE's press department and Kane tried to contact Garston Entertainments, the agency that represents Whelan, but received no reply.

Whelan was on his way to Dubai yesterday and when contacted he said he was not aware of the programme's link with The Sun or of the storm it had caused among supporters and did not wish to make any further comment. "Thanks for letting me know," he said. "I will have to speak to RTE first."

Houghton, in Dublin yesterday to appear on last night's Premier Soccer Saturday, also said it was the first he had heard about it. "I haven't a clue," he said. "I'll obviously have to think about it. I'll have to speak to RTE about it and see what's going on. I'll have to find out about that."

And though neither Whelan nor Houghton need lessons on the extreme emotions aroused by Hillsborough more than 20 years on and the ongoing aftermath in which victims' families still fight for the justice they feel has been denied them, they will be all too aware that the eyes of the Liverpool supporting community are on them, passionately urging them to do what they believe is the right thing.

"Ronnie Whelan was our captain that day and Ray Houghton was a player," added Kane. "Both players attended many of the victims' funerals so to see them associated with a show sponsored by The Sun is sickening to most Liverpool fans and surely it would be unwise for them to go ahead with their appearance."

"As it's a one-off show I would definitely say they should pull out and it would really help the cause," said Boardman. "I can understand that ex-players need to make a living but this is a one-off show so I'd like to see them pull out. Liverpool's support is so strong in Ireland that I think their withdrawal would send a powerful message to The Sun."


http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/liverpool-fans-demand-irish-duo-quit-tv-show-2621766.html

Fantastic that the contempt of LFC fans has been made public and let's hope that they (Whelan & Houghton) follow Jims comments and pull out of the show.

I don't feel it's right for people to come on here and bad mouth two great players for Liverpool for doing a job.

Except it's a job that's got an involvement with that F***ing rag, maybe you don't know what it was like to have that F***ing rag slag off the whole of your home city. Let's not forget, some simple minded F***ing idiots still believe the sh*te that rag came out with.

All this lay off them is bollocks too, did Whelan and Houghton lay off Rafa, when he was getting grief left, right and centre from the media, did they F**k, they joined in sticking the boot in on the man, so, politely I say F**k them!

They appear on that show, they have made their choice, simple as!

As soon as the link with the shitrag emerged if their credentials stand for anything both men should have said F**k RTE and F**k that rag, that there is still any mileage to this sad tale is F***ing disgraceful.

Got a reply back from RTE, saying my complaint wil be forwarded one to the person in charge of Premier Soccer Saturday.
I'll try and post the reply later when I get home from work. At least they're taking this seriously.

While I have my doubts that neither knew who the show sponsor was I do believe they will now pull out of doing the show

Dear Stephen,
 
Thanks for the mail,
 
The comments expressed in your mail will be included in the RTÉ Audience Log which is circulated to senior programme management and submitted for review at RTÉ's Editorial Meetings.
 
I have also forwarded your mail to the Executive Producer of Premier Soccer Saturday for attention.
 
Kind Regards,
 
Yvonne Owens
RTÉ Information


Thats the reply i got today of them.

Houghton + Whealan programme under discussion

http://thescore.thejournal.ie/houghton-and-whelan-programme-sponsorship-row-under-discussion-122928-Apr2011/?utm_source=shortlink


THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING the proposed appearance of former Irish internationals Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton on an RTÉ programme that will be sponsored by The Irish S*n is under discussion.

The two former Liverpool players have been criticised by fans after it emerged that the tabloid newspaper which has been boycotted by them for 22 years will sponsor a live edition of RTÉ’s Premier Soccer Saturday programme later this month.

TheJournal.ie understands the issue is under discussion between the station and both players who have contacted them about it but no decision has yet been made.

RTÉ refused to comment when contacted this afternoon.

It is also understood that a small number of complaints were made to RTÉ about the sponsorship deal and the appearance of Houghton and Whelan on programme when it was originally announced at the start of the season.

Liverpool FC declined to comment on the matter but said that with current players they actively enforce a policy of ensuring there are no dealings with The S*n newspaper.

Ray Houghton and Ronnie Whelan could not be reached for comment.

F**k sake lads, it's only 1 episode of the show, just pull out and save some bit of dignity.

Dear Stephen,
 
Thanks for the mail,
 
The comments expressed in your mail will be included in the RTÉ Audience Log which is circulated to senior programme management and submitted for review at RTÉ's Editorial Meetings.
 
I have also forwarded your mail to the Executive Producer of Premier Soccer Saturday for attention.
 
Kind Regards,
 
Yvonne Owens
RTÉ Information


Thats the reply I got today of them.

Thats the same as mine, except i'm not called Stephen

 RBuxton_LFC Richard Buxton
Word spreading that ex #LFC players Ray Houghton & Ronnie Whelan will no longer appear on RTE's PSS Live due to it is sponsored by The Sun

according to Richard Buxton, they are pulling out of the show.

Liverpool pair pull out of show

http://thescore.thejournal.ie/houghton-and-whelan-withdraw-from-rte-programme-123186-Apr2011/?utm_source=shortlink

RTE has confirmed that former Irish internationals Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton will not be taking part in their Premier Soccer Sunday Live programme following controversy over the show’s sponsorship by The Irish S*n.

The broadcaster said that the panel for the Premier Soccer Sunday live programme will now consist of John Giles, Kenny Cunningham and one additional panellist, to be confirmed and that the two former Liverpool players will not be taking part on 1 May.

Fair play lads. Done the right thing.

Is right! Well played to them both. Not buying that they didn't know about it though. Another victory for the 'internet terrorists' I think.

Fair play to both of them.

Is right

Well in reds with the email campaign as well

Common sense has prevailed.........

Jim Boardman seems to suspect the decision was made by RTE and not those two muppets. Quotes from Houghton suggests he cares little for the boycott.

In my opinion a few people on here owe an apology to the lads so....i seem to recall some shocking abuse being thrown at them! Legendary status has been restored then? 

Great news them pulling out of this. They have done the right thing.

The lads pulling out will get great publicity for the Justice for the 96 campaign.
Respect for doing the right thing in the end.

The correct decision was taken in the end.

It doesn't really matter who pulled the plug, it's reinforced the strength of the boycott and reminded/educated some people why the boycott exists.

Done the right thing there. Well done, didn't think they would so pleased to be wrong.

That's fair enough common sense prevailed as well as it shows in no uncertain terms the depth of feeling about the disaster is as profound as ever.

Shame it required the fans to cause a stir.

But common sense has prevailed.  Threat of a demo outside RTE works wonders.

If this makes other ex players think twice about having any dealings with the rag, indirectly or otherwise then it's another coup for the boycott. 

They need to be reminded that it's not acceptable to any of us and we will make our feelings known.

Excellent news that they're not taking part.

And yes, wholeheartedly agree that this is a huge victory for the boycott. Fairly certain details of potential sponsorship deals will now be disclosed before Reds appear on shows and I'm also fairly certain that any broadcasters who want Liverpool legends to appear on their show will now shun The S*n as a result of this. Two very big wins in my book.

Ray Houghton and Ronnie Whelan withdraw from RTE show

Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton were originally due to appear on the programme
Continue reading the main story
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Liverpool supporters in NI have said they are pleased that former players Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton will not appear on an Irish TV programme sponsored by The Sun.

Liverpool fans boycott the Sun which made a number of unsubstantiated claims about supporters' behaviour during the Hillsborough tragedy.

Whelan and Houghton were originally scheduled to take part in the live May 1 programme but will not now feature. Three other guests will take their places.

Current Liverpool players do not have any involvement with The Sun and the club said it was inadvisable for new players and up-and-coming stars to have any contact with it.

Supporters have refused to buy it since the days following the disaster in 1989 when it printed allegations that some supporters pickpocketed and urinated on victims.

Antipathy

"RTE Sport can confirm that the panel for the Premier Soccer Sunday live programme will consist of John Giles, Kenny Cunningham and one additional panellist, to be confirmed," a spokesperson for the broadcaster said.

"Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton are no longer appearing on the panel on May 1."

Ray Houghton said he did not wish to comment on the issue.

"RTE have put out a statement and I do not have anything to do add to that," he said.

Ronnie Whelan could not be contacted.

Pat McDermott, treasurer of West Belfast Liverpool Supporters Club, said members had been discussing the issue on Monday night.

"From the feelings expressed there, I think people will be delighted that they aren't taking part in the show," he said.

"Non Liverpool supporters do not realise the levels of antipathy of Liverpool fans towards the Sun and by extension the Irish Sun."

The Irish Sun said it did not wish to make any comment.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13134829

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "McCann, Ryan" <Ryan.McCann@rte.ie>
Date: 19 Apr 2011 17:10
Subject: FW: Premier Soccer Saturday
To: <barrymc32@googlemail.com>


Dear Barry

 

Thank you for your comments.  Here is RTE’s position on this matter:

 

RTÉ Sport can confirm that the panel for the Premier Soccer Sunday live programme will consist of John Giles, Kenny Cunningham and one additional panellist (to be confirmed). Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton are no longer appearing on the panel on May 1st.

 

Many thanks

 

Ryan McCann

Editor

Premier Soccer Saturday


Old news now but at least they had the manners to reply.

I got one too mate.

Dear Stephen

 

Thank you for your comments.  Here is RTE’s position on this matter:

 

RTÉ Sport can confirm that the panel for the Premier Soccer Sunday live programme will consist of John Giles, Kenny Cunningham and one additional panellist (to be confirmed). Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton are no longer appearing on the panel on May 1st.

 

Many thanks

 

Ryan McCann

Editor

Premier Soccer Saturday

Happy days.

Fair play - maybe they can do a bit of research next time, although in fairness, I doubt if many presenters actually look at who is sponsoring a show.

And johnny giles is a complete c**t.

If anyone is watching this, well first off it's sh*te. Secondly, 3 tools in the studio crows wearing Liverpool shirts. Surely they should know what they are doing.

If anyone is watching this, well first off it's sh*te. Secondly, 3 tools in the studio crows wearing Liverpool shirts. Surely they should know what they are doing.

So you're watching it then??

They didn't happen to mention why Ray and Ronnie were not there did they? That would have been great.

They didn't happen to mention why Ray and Ronnie were not there did they? That would have been great.

Nope they didn't.

So you're watching it then??

I watched it yeah, it was my only chance to watch the highlights. Anyways, watching the program was hardly supporting the sponsor was it.

Didn't watch it. Anything with the s*n should be avoided. Saw the match this morning instead

I never watch it anyway. Its too early. I rather MOTD.

By all accounts both were on tonights show also sponsored by said rag

Says a lot

By all accounts both were on tonights show also sponsored by said rag

Says a lot

Quite a lot, conveniently pull out and appear at a later date when the fuss dies down.

Hope they enjoy the appearance fee.

Not watching it, but that says a lot alright. So the dust settled and their true colour emerged. Money men

Yep the big euro in this case wins out. The most sickening aspect here of course is these 2 scumbags were there that day seen iy with thee own eyes done some funerals and clearly know of the boycott.

Tonight Im ashamed that they represented my country