Sky Sports News is known for its live coverage of the transfer deadline day, the last day of the window when football clubs can sign new players. However, in 2014, the network had to make a major change to its reporting style after one of its reporters was harassed by a fan with a sex toy on live television.
The incident that sparked the change
The incident happened on September 1, 2014, when Sky Sports News reporter Alan Irwin was outside Everton’s training ground to provide updates on the potential transfer of midfielder Tom Cleverley from Manchester United. As he was speaking to the camera, a fan behind him waved a purple dildo in his ear and face, causing him to cut short his report and look visibly annoyed.
The footage quickly went viral on social media and became a source of mockery and amusement for many viewers. However, it also raised questions about the safety and professionalism of the reporters who had to deal with rowdy and unruly fans outside the clubs’ premises.
The change in Sky Sports News’ Deadline Day coverage
As a result of the incident, Sky Sports News decided to ban fans from appearing on its Deadline Day coverage from the following year. Instead of having reporters stand among the crowds outside the training grounds, they moved them inside the clubs’ facilities or studios, where they could deliver their news without any interference or distraction.
The network also issued a statement explaining its decision and apologizing for any offence caused by the incident. It said: “In a live TV environment we always have to be prepared for the unexpected and we have procedures in place to deal with situations like this. To be clear, no-one wants to see this sort of thing on TV and we will do our best to ensure that it does not happen again.”
The reaction from fans and journalists
The change in Sky Sports News’ Deadline Day coverage was met with mixed reactions from fans and journalists. Some praised the network for taking action to protect its reporters and maintain its standards, while others lamented the loss of the fun and excitement that came with seeing fans interact with the reporters and express their opinions on the transfers.
Some journalists also expressed their frustration with the behaviour of some fans who ruined the experience for everyone else. Irwin himself said that he found it upsetting that fans would act differently when the cameras were on and interfere with his work. He also joked that he never wanted to work with children, animals or dildos again.
The legacy of the incident
The incident involving Irwin and the sex toy fan has become one of the most memorable moments in Sky Sports News’ history and has been referenced and parodied many times since then. It has also become a symbol of the changing nature of sports journalism and the challenges that reporters face in covering live events.
Sky Sports News has continued to provide extensive coverage of the transfer deadline day, but with more caution and control over its reporters’ locations and interactions. However, it has not been able to avoid other controversies and mishaps that have occurred on its airwaves, such as technical glitches, inaccurate reports, prank calls and offensive remarks.
