Sky Sports were forced into Transfer Deadline Day change after sex toy incident
Jim White being mobbed, fans holding up inappropriate signs, and grown men scrambling over each other to get on the telly - it all used to be part and parcel of Sky Sports covering transfer deadline day.
But that all changed in 2014 when viewers were treated to scenes that were considered both hilarious and vulgar - such was the range of opinions flying around at the time. The incident promoted bosses to ensure their reporters proceeded to work inside club grounds, out of the reach -and earshot - of gathering fans.
Man United had just finished an underwhelming first season without Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, and new manager Louis van Gaal was targeting a summer clear-out. One player in the frame to leave was midfielder Tom Cleverly, who was in discussions with Everton over a move.
Alan Irwin was the unfortunate reporter charged with providing updates on the development. But as he tried to speak live on television, he was disrupted not only by the noise around him but by a purple object being waved around his ear and face.
It wasn't difficult to work out that the object was a sex toy, with Irwin having to cut short his update. And it made for an awkward few seconds back in the studio too, with Irwin later speaking to a co-worker about what transpired.
Man Utd initially wanted to sign Sabitzer's teammate but Bayern Munich refused
"Never work with children or animals. Or dildos, right?" he joked. "I think it's one of the hazards of the job, isn't it? I don’t know mate, but you probably know more about it than I do."
But he did then voice his frustration that supporters behaved so differently when the cameras started rolling: "I do find it quite upsetting that you're talking to these fans in between the live broadcast, then as soon as the light goes on and there's the opportunity for them to interfere, so to speak, they take it," he said.
Deadline Day always throws up its fair share of memorable moments (Daily Record)HAVE YOUR SAY! What has been the best transfer of the summer? Comment below.
Sky made sure there was to be no repeat in 2015, restructuring their coverage so that reports were given from studios and within locked gates. But it wasn't just the sex toy that prompted the changes, with Ofcom also forced to deal with mounting complaints over language.
A spokesman for Sky Sports News responded by implying those responsible were in the minority: “Millions of viewers followed our coverage of transfer deadline day, which included over 270 live reporter updates from outside football clubs over the final 24 hours," they said, in a released statement.
“We apologise to those whose enjoyment was spoiled by a small number of incidents. We’re looking into ways to avoid this happening again in the future whilst ensuring fans remain a key part of our live coverage.”
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