Sky Sports made major last-minute change before Everton vs Man Utd with decision slammed as ‘deeply troubling’
SKY SPORTS made a controversial decision to not air an interview with the Mayor of Greater Manchester in which called for the Premier League to drop Everton’s 10-point deduction, according to reports.
Andy Burnham, who has served as mayor since 2017, has been an outspoken critic against the point penalty which was dished out after a breach of league financial rules.
Burnham holds a season ticket in Goodison Park’s Gwladys Street stand.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, he claims to have conducted an interview with Sky Sports prior to Man Utd’s 3-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
However, the footage never made it to air, and Burnham has now called for an explanation as to why.
He told the Mail: “I don’t know why it wasn’t broadcast and I’d very much like an explanation.
“As a former Cabinet Minister, I don’t expect third parties to decide what I can and cannot say.”
Burnham served in Gordon Brown‘s Labour government between 2007-2010.
Sky reporters at press conferences on Friday were told not to ask about the deduction, with those covering the game at Goodison Park on Sunday also allegedly being reminded of their “editorial responsibilities”.
The Mail’s report says Sky Insiders claim the move was made in light of the death of former England manager Terry Venables.
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Reports before the game suggested Sky may lower the volume of crowd chanting as furious Evertonians launched a protest.
However, Sky say they did not turn down the volume on a number of explicit anti-Premier League chants as they were not loud enough to warrant the move.
Sky also did not show a banner flown over the Etihad during Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool which said: “Premier League = corrupt.”
Burnham admitted he was concerned by the move from the broadcaster.
He said: “There seems to be a wider picture here with views expressed by Evertonians at the game being silenced too.
“I find all this very troubling. They’ve have denied us our points. It surely can’t be right to deny Evertonians our voice as well?”
A Sky Sports spokesperson said: ‘Sky Sports has covered this news story extensively across our TV and digital channels, taking a fair and balanced approach to our reporting as always.’
Burnham, who did appear Sophy Ridge’s Sky News show on Monday, previously accused the Premier League of an “abuse of process”.
In an open letter, he said: “I have today written to the Premier League to register a formal complaint about the treatment of Everton.
“In summary, trying to introduce new rules in the middle of an ongoing case amounts to an abuse of process and regulatory malpractice.
“I am not saying Everton do not have a case to answer. They do. What I am saying is the process which led to the ten-point deduction is flawed.
“The ruling should be declared null and void and a new process started following agreement on a sanctions policy with the 20 clubs.”