Sky Sports broadcaster Martin Tyler has issued an apology over comments he made about the Hillsborough disaster today,
The veteran commentator was speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, discussing 30 years of the Premier League, when he referred to 'Hillsborough and other hooligan related issues ' in words that have understandably caused great anger. It is widely known and accepted that disgraceful slurs made about Liverpool fans and hooliganism related to the 1989 disaster are untrue, as was clarified at the 2016 inquests which found Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed.
The comments have caused understandable anger for Hillsborough survivors, family members of those who were unlawfully killed and Liverpool fans who have found themselves once again having to point out the truth of what happened. The BBC has already apologised for not 'robustly' challenging Mr Tyler on his comments.
READ MORE: BBC hit with complaints over Martin Tyler's Hillsborough comments
Now Sky Sports has posted an apology from the commentator himself. Mr Tyler said: "This morning while discussing various crises facing football 30 years ago, I referred to some examples including the Hillsborough disaster and also controversy over hooliganism at matches. These are two separate issues. There is no connection at all between the Hillsborough disaster and hooliganism - I know that, and I was not implying that there was."
He added: "I apologise sincerely sincerely and wholeheartedly for any misunderstanding."
Mr Tyler's comments had caused widespread anger amongst fans, with a number of local politicians responding. Liverpool City Region Mayor and Liverpool fan Steve Rotheram described the comments as 'exceptionally crass' and said Mr Tyler 'should know much better." He added: "Even now people whose careers are built on football still spread these foul smears."
Liverpool Wavertree MP and Reds fan Paula Barker tweeted: "Disgusting comments from Martin Tyler this morning on BBC Radio 4 Today who said 'Hillsborough and OTHER hooligan related incidents' Nobody challenged him!! How can he be allowed to have a career in sports journalism & perpetuate these lies."
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