Sky Sports

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.
Andy Burnham has expressed his concern at a change from Sky SportsCredit: Rex
Sky pulled an interview with Burnham before the Everton v Man Utd gameCredit: Getty
The match was Everton’s first since a 10-point deductionCredit: AFP
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.
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“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.” More

LEGENDARY boss Terry Venables guided England to the semi-final at Euro 1996.The tournament had fans across the country believing football was coming home until the Three Lions were beaten by Germany on penalties.
Terry Venables led England as fans dared to dreamCredit: Getty
The Three Lions made the semi-finals and lost on penaltiesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
From Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham destroying Holland to Paul Gascoigne’s incredible goal and dentist chair celebration in victory over Scotland, and who can forget a nervy shootout 4-2 win over Spain in the quarter-finals?
Euro 96 has a special place in the hearts of many.
Venables united a country and following the sad news of his passing, SunSport take a look at where that iconic England squad are now.
David Seaman
Seaman was vital at the home tournament, saving a penalty in the shootout win against Spain and against Scotland in the group stages.
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The 60-year-old starred on Dancing on Ice in 2008, where he met wife Frankie.
He now lives a quiet life and often goes fishing.
Tim Flowers
Flowers played between the sticks for the likes of Southampton and Blackburn during his career.
Since hanging up his gloves, he has forged a career in management with Macclesfield Town, Barnet and most recently Gloucester City – where he left in September this year.
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Ian Walker
As third choice goalkeeper at Euro 1996, the ex-Tottenham and Leicester stopper could be easily forgotten by some.
Walker has worked as a coach in China with Super League club Shanghai Port since 2014.
Ian Walker (left) alongside David SeamanCredit: AFP
Gary Neville
Neville was England’s youngest starter at the tournament and Venables showed huge trust in the soon to be Manchester United icon.
He is now one of the faces of Sky Sports as a pundit and commentator.
Neville was keen for Venables to continue as manager beyond Euro 1996 and labelled him one of England’s best ever coaches.
Phil Neville
Gary’s younger brother Phil made his England debut in a friendly just before the Euros kicked off.
After enjoying a lengthy career at Man Utd and Everton, Neville retired and begun coaching.
He has since held roles in charge of the Lionesses, Inter Miami and this month he landed another managerial job in the MLS with Portland Timbers.
Tony Adams
The no-nonsense centre-back and Arsenal legend captained the Three Lions at the iconic tournament.
He had managerial spells with Wycombe, Portsmouth, Azerbaijani team Gabala and Spanish side Granada.
Adams starred on Strictly Come Dancing last year and he now raises money for charity after battling alcoholism.
Adams was skipper at Euro 96Credit: Rex
Gareth Southgate
Southgate missed the crucial penalty in the semi-final defeat to Germany.
He is now England’s waist-coat wearing manager, who went one beyond Venables at Euro 2020 as the Three Lions made the final.
Gareth Southgate missed a penalty in the semi-final shootoutCredit: Getty
Steve Howey
Howey played for Newcastle during the summer of 1996.
He has since had a career on radio and can be hired as an after dinner speaker.
Sol Campbell
Campbell was at Tottenham at the time football nearly came home – before he controversial move to Arsenal.
The centre-back has been in the dugout as a manager but now no longer wants to be on the touchline following studying at the prestigious Harvard University.
Stuart Pearce
Pearce’s passionate celebration after scoring in the shootout against Spain will never be forgotten.
The man nicknamed “Psycho” has worked as a manager and coach at a host of clubs as well as England’s Under-21s.
Pearce is nowadays often heard chatting all things Premier League on the radio with talkSPORT.
Stuart Pearce was England’s left-back for Euro 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Darren Anderton
Anderton’s career was plagued by injuries but he managed to feature in all five of England’s games at Euro 1996.
He now works as a pundit in Canada.
Nick Barmby
Barmby managed just one appearance en route to the semi-finals.
He took charge of Hull for one season in the 2011-12 campaign and last worked as a coach at Scunthorpe in 2019.
Paul Ince
Paul Ince ran the show in the England midfield and played for the likes of Man Utd, Inter Milan and Liverpool.
He returned to management last season with Reading, nine years after last stepping into the dugout with Blackpool.
Ince left the Royals in April this year and has since been out of work.
Paul Ince up against Switzerland in the group stagesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
David Platt
Platt was one of the most experienced members of the England squad in the summer of 96.
He coached for several years at Manchester City and now shares his experience at a grassroots club Boundary Park.
Paul Gascoigne
The England legend was one of the most much-loved players in the squad and Venables was able to get the best out of his talent.
Since retiring Gazza has battled mental health and alcohol problems.
Paul Gascoigne starred in the tournamentCredit: Getty
Jamie Redknapp
A young Redknapp made just one substitute appearance at the tournament.
He is now a well-dressed face of Sky Sports as a pundit and as a star of hit show A League of Their Own.
Steve McManaman
McManaman was a tricky winger that gave the Three Lions pace and creativity on the flank.
He now features as a co-commentator on TNT Sports.
Steve McManaman is now a commentator and punditCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Steve Stone
Stone was at Nottingham Forest when he was called up to the England squad for the Euros.
He now works as part of Sean Dyche’s coaching team at Everton after previously working with him at Burnley.
Alan Shearer
The Premier League all-time leading goalscorer won the Golden Boot at Euro 96.
Shearer is now a pundit on Match of the Day.
Alan Shearer was top scorer with five goalsCredit: Reuters
Teddy Sheringham
Sheringham netted twice as England smashed Holland 4-1 in the group stages.
Since retiring, the striker has won thousands as a poker played, managed in India and dressed as a tree in the Masked Singer.
Les Ferdinand
Ferdinand may have been one of the Premier League best striker but he surprisingly didn’t play a minute at Euro 96.
He stepped down as QPR’s director of football in the summer.
Robbie Fowler
Fowler had only recently burst onto the scene and the iconic tournament was his first in an England shirt.
He most recently managed in the Saudi second tier with Al-Qadsiah.
Fowler guided them to six wins in eight games but was shockingly sacked last month.
The iconic ‘it’s coming home’ song was born in 1996Credit: Offside Sports More

VIEWERS hailed late replacement Caroline Barker as “terrific” and a “natural” after Simon Thomas pulled out of hosting Sky Sports Soccer Saturday due to Covid.Versatile broadcaster Barker was called “brilliant” and a future candidate for the permanent role after stepping in on a day the Premier League returned in dramatic fashion.
Viewers reckon stand-in Caroline Barker is a natural for the Soccer Saturday roleCredit: Getty
Simon Thomas starts his first show at Soccer Saturday taking over from Jeff Stelling, Sky SportsCredit: Sky Sports
Thomas had only revealed on Saturday morning he would miss the long-running show after illness hit his family.
But football fans reckon Barker, 42, presented the busy schedule as if she had been doing it for years.
One observer wrote: “Caroline Barker smashing Soccer Saturday. Such a natural presence on screen.”
Another suggested she “should get this gig permanently. Absolutely terrific today”.
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Thomas has had a mixed reception from viewers this season after being asked to do the near-impossible – replace fans’ favourite Jeff Stelling.
But viewers wished him a speedy recovery after he revealed he had to sit out this Saturday at the eleventh hour.
He posted: “Sadly no #soccersaturday for me today – #Covid has hit the Thomas household.
“@carolinebarker is in the hot seat today. Go well CB – you’ll be brilliant. See you next week.”
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And viewers believe his prediction on Barker was spot-on.
They described her as a “great stand-in presenter” and “class”.
And one viewer wrote: “Feel like Sky may have missed a trick by not giving her the gig when Stelling left.”
It came on the day Liverpool snatched a late draw at champions Manchester City, Arsenal went top with a late winner at Brentford and Brighton’s Lewis Dunk saw red for two yellow cards in 12 seconds. More

SKY SPORTS appeared to accidentally break the 3pm blackout rule during Soccer Saturday.Broadcasters in the UK are not allowed to televise live Premier League football between the hours of 2.45pm and 5.15pm.
Sky Sports Soccer Saturday appeared to break the 3pm blackout rule todayCredit: SKY SPORTS
The broadcast showed a brief live clip of Nottingham Forest vs BrightonCredit: Sky Sports
Host Caroline Barker joked about the mistakeCredit: Sky Sports
The 3pm blackout has been in place since the 1960’s, but that didn’t stop a small slip up happening live on Sky.
When heading around the grounds the show cut to pundit Michael Dawson who was covering the Nottingham Forest vs Brighton game which kicked off at 3pm.
And with the match ticking towards half-time, the broadcasters seemed to think that the referee had blown his whistle to call an end to the first half.
As a result they cut to the City Ground expecting to show the players walking down the tunnel, but instead were shown a clip of the live football.
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It showed Lewis Dunk slowly carrying the ball out of his penalty area as he awaited the referee’s whistle.
The glimpse at the game was swiftly taken off air with the first half not quite over yet.
Soccer Saturday host Caroline Barker laughed off the mistake and joked: “It’s all going on, but that’s what we love!”
The game finished in a 3-2 victory for Brighton despite Dunk being sent off in the second half.
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The 3pm blackout is expected to be in place for at least another five years with the Premier League not changing their rules in the latest packages.
It’s not the first time that Sky Sports have made the same mistake this season either with the broadcaster accidentally showing a clip of Man City vs Brighton last month. More