An Everton fan-led group have criticised Sky Sports for their pre-match coverage of last night’s win over Newcastle United.
Taking to X, The 1878s stated that they were ‘extremely disappointed’ with Sky Sports and claimed reporter Sanny Rudravajhala had been an ‘absolute disgrace’.
After Everton were handed a 10-point deduction last month, they followed it up with a protest during their defeat to Manchester United which saw the entire crowd hold up pink signs that read ‘CORRUPT’.
The Toffees were eager to continue their protests last night and made their frustrations towards the Premier league very clear throughout, displaying more placards that this time said ‘protecting the few, not the many’.
The 1878s helped organise the protest and shared a post on X earlier this week encouraging fans to hold up their placards in the 10th minute, while also helping ‘get the lads up the table’.
Despite a very peaceful night at Goodison Park, Sky Sports suggested otherwise.
Prior to the match, Rudravajhala said: “We’re not quite at Goodison, we’re actually on The Wirrell and that’s partly because we know Everton fans are continuing to feel very upset and frustrated by this point deduction.
“There is a plan for a protest at the game… they had those bright pink placards against the Premier League in the last match and there is a planned protest on the 10th minute as well.
“As broadcasters we want to keep away from any trouble on that side of things, so we’re on the other side of the river for now before we head to Everton.”
The 1878s were left angered by the reporter’s comments and claimed that he had suggested that the Merseyside stadium was comparable to a ‘dangerous war zone’.
Why are Everton fans angry?
On X, they wrote: “As a group, we are extremely disappointed with @SkySportsPL @SkySportsNews coverage before last nights game.
“Prior to our game yesterday, the group along with thousands of fellow Evertonians had held two protests at both our home game against Manchester United, and away at Nottingham Forest. Both of these protests, along with our one last night, at home against Newcastle United have been impeccable, successful and passed off without any incidents at all. The protests have all been held in a respectful manner, therefore we do not appreciate
“@SkySportsNews reporting that they were staying away from any trouble at Goodison Park. The @SkySportsNews reporter @Sanny_Rudra was reporting from the Wirral prior to the match, insinuating that Goodison is comparable to a dangerous war zone. Yet, the same reporter was at Goodison for the match and stated in a tweet himself “Goodison Park under the lights. Few better sights in English football. Will miss it when it’s gone”. #efc
“Never have any of the efforts by Evertonians been violent or dangerous in any way. It is an absolute disgrace to suggest otherwise.”
Everton fans have rightly been left frustrated by suggestions that the surrounding areas of Goodison Park were dangerous last night, as the protests were anything but.
Sky Sports will certainly get some stick for this and whether they respond or not is another question, but Everton fans should just continue with their hard work and support for the team as that is all that really matters in the long-term.
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