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Axed Soccer Saturday pundit Charlie Nicholas slams Sky for lack of support for Andy Walker over Celtic and Rangers ban


CHARLIE NICHOLAS has blasted Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic for banning Andy Walker from their stadiums.

Last week, SunSport exclusively revealed the Old Firm pair told the Sky Sports pundit to stay away from Ibrox and Parkheadover comments made on air.

Sky Sports commentator Andy Walker has been told to stay away from Rangers and CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Charlie Nicholas was sacked by Sky Sports last year and has hit out at the Scottish clubs for banning WalkerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Celtic are believed to still be furious over Walker’s outspoken criticism of their controversial trip to Dubai in January for a winter training camp.

Sky Sports – who pay £25million a year for their Scottish Premiership coverage – have yet to break their silence on Walker’s ban.

Nicholas – who was sacked as a Soccer Saturday pundit last summer – accused the broadcasters of showing a lack of support.

Former Celtic striker Walker – who is believed to be seeking legal advice – has been a regular commentator for the broadcasting giants since 2009.

Nicholas also warned the bitter feud could have ramifications on future TV deals.

Writing in the Daily Express, Nicholas roared: “It is an absolute disgrace how Andy Walker has been left exposed by Celtic and Rangers.

“I haven’t spoken to my old friend in a wee while, since I left Sky.

“The Old Firm duo have banned Andy from their grounds. They are two of the least helpful clubs in the world.

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“They are happy to take the money from the television companies yet they want to tell pundits what they should and shouldn’t be saying.

“It’s a shambles the way Andy has been treated.

“Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are hard-hitting about Manchester United and Liverpool in their roles as pundits, but do they get banned by their old clubs?

“No, they don’t. I am as critical of Arsenal as Celtic.

“Arsenal don’t like it but they still treat me the same way at the club as the day I signed.

“What concerns me is the lack of support that Sky has shown Andy.

“They should be saying to Rangers and Celtic, ‘If you don’t let him into your grounds then we won’t be paying you for those games’.

“Celtic couldn’t wait to jump on the bandwagon because of Andy’s criticism after they heard Rangers had banned him.

“We had Neil Lennon on Soccer Saturday the other day – the same man who demanded an apology from Sky for Andy’s comments.

“Neil Doncaster and the SPFL must step in to sort this out because, if they don’t, they could end up jeopardising any future television deals.”

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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