Sky Sports apologise for ‘insensitive’ remark on Sean Dyche’s Everton tribute

Football Digest: Sean Dyche faces big summer rebuild at Everton

Sky Sports have issued an apology after commentary duo Bill Leslie and Andy Hinchcliffe made ‘insensitive’ remarks during Everton’s defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday. Toffees boss Sean Dyche was sporting a black armband in tribute to supporter Michael Jones, who died earlier this month while working on the club’s new stadium.

Leslie and Hinchcliffe compared Dyche to a ‘croupier’ (casino worker) because of his clothing. All Everton players and staff wore armbands in memory of Jones, with a minute’s applause also held in the 26th minute. 

The comparison sparked huge backlash on social media, and both commentators are believed to have expressed regret at their choice of words. Sky Sports claim that they have since been called in for talks and reminded of their ‘responsibilities’.

“Comments made during the Aston Villa v Everton game were insensitive and regrettable,” read the broadcaster’s statement to The Athletic.

“We have spoken to everyone involved in the coverage including both the commentators and have reminded them of their responsibilities and the need for care and sensitivity. We apologise for any upset or distress caused by these comments.”

Everton turned to Dyche in January this year, with the former Burnley boss given the task of keeping them in the Premier League. The Toffees stayed up by just two points last term, with Wolves the only team to score fewer top-flight goals over the course of the campaign.

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Last season’s struggles have carried over into 2023/24, with Dyche’s side beginning the year in torrid fashion. A 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham was followed by a miserable afternoon at Villa Park, where Unai Emery masterminded a resounding 4-0 thrashing.

The Toffees have only shelled out for one permanent signing so far this summer – Youssef Chermiti – although it remains to be seen whether the teenager has enough pedigree to make an impact in the Premier League.

“We’ve got to find consistency,” Dyche told Sky Sports after Sunday’s defeat. “We find it through the training ground but we’ve got to put it into performances. There’s no excuses today, they were miles better than us.

“We were miles off it. They were better in all departments – the sharpness, the edge that’s important in a performance, particularly them scoring goals, driving into the box, looking a lot more alive than we were defensively.”

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