Sky Sports faces an investigation from media regulator Ofcom after its Transfer Deadline Day coverage "descended into farce," according to Alex Richards of the London MIRROR. Sky Sports News "has been forced to apologize after it broadcast swearing and scenes involving a fan waving a sex toy during its coverage on Monday evening." Reporters stationed up and down the country "had to deal with reporting from outside club's training grounds in front of supporters, and had to apologise on a number of occasions for swearing" (MIRROR, 9/2). In London, Ben Rumsby wrote Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol "was removed from his
station at Selhurst Park on Monday night" following a demonstration by a
Palace supporters' group -- Holmesdale Fanatics -- against Sky Sports'
football coverage.
The group chanted, "We ----ing hate Sky Sports," and carried a long banner
reading, "SKY SPORTS - KILLING OUR GAME SINCE 1992." A second reporter, Geraint Hughes, "also left his post outside Arsenal's ground
on the advice of his security detail before continuing his updates" on Danny
Welbeck's move from ManU from inside the Emirates Stadium (TELEGRAPH, 9/2). Also in London, Dugald Baird wrote TV comic Simon Brodkin "turned up in character as his footballer creation Jason Bent," claiming he had signed for Queens Park Rangers to "play in the Premiership this season and in the Championship next season." The complaints "are being assessed before the watchdog decides whether to investigate the coverage." The channel, which broadcast more than 270 live reports in 24 hours, "has not had any direct complaints" (GUARDIAN, 9/2).
