Sky Sports News has been criticised for “poor taste” in running a countdown clock while reporting on the demise of Bury and Bolton football clubs.
Both clubs were given a deadline of 5pm yesterday to complete takeovers or else prove they had the funds to continue trading.
Bury were expelled by the English Football League after a takeover bid from C&N Sporting Risk collapsed, while Bolton, also of League One, were given an additional 14 days to avoid being expelled themselves, with their prospective takeover by Football Ventures (Whites) Limited still yet to go through.
Sky Sports News ran a countdown clock – similar to the one they use on transfer deadline day – up until the 5pm EFL deadline. Presenter Jim White, who is synonymous with their deadline day coverage, fronted the show and stood in front of the countdown clock.
Many fans were outraged. Bolton fanzine Burnden Aces tweeted: “Sky Sports News rightly receiving heavy criticism from the football world this afternoon. This isn’t the start of the season or transfer deadline day. This is the very existence of two of the oldest clubs our country has to offer. Poor taste, indeed.”
Burnley Express sports editor Chris Boden added: “Sky have a bloody countdown clock for Bury and Bolton? In very poor taste.”
