Sky Sports apologise to Everton for ‘insensitive and regrettable comments’ which saw commentators MOCK black armbands worn in tribute to the fan who died working on their £760m new stadium

Sky Sports has apologized for “insensitive and regrettable” comments during Everton’s defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday, in which commentators mocked the black armbands the team wore.

Everton paid tribute to Michael Jones, the 26-year-old fan who died last week at the site of their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.

Sky Sports commentators Bill Leslie and Andy Hinchliffe sparked outrage after joking that boss Sean Dyche looked ‘like a croupier’ – a casino operator – with his white shirt and black armband.

Sky Sports has apologized for ‘any upset or distress’ caused by the comments, stating that they have reminded commentators of their ‘responsibilities and the need for care and sensitivity’.

“The comments made during the game between Aston Villa and Everton were insensitive and regrettable,” said a spokesman.

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“We spoke to everyone involved in the coverage, including commentators, and reminded them of their responsibilities and the need for care and sensitivity. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these comments.”

Mail Sport understands that Leslie and Hinchcliffe have expressed regret over their comments.

Fans in the stands brought banners commemorating Jones’ life and his support for the club, displaying them alongside the club’s tribute before the 4–0 home defeat.

Both Everton and crosstown rivals Liverpool visited the site of the new stadium to lay wreaths in tribute to the construction worker, with Jurgen Klopp also leading his players into a minute’s silence after placing the flowers.

Jones suffered “severe head injuries” while working at the site around noon on August 14, and although he was rushed to hospital, he died later that day despite the best efforts of medics.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, contractors Laing O’Rourk suspended work on the project until further notice, sharing a statement expressing their “shock and sadness” at Jones’ passing, and promising that the organization would be “fully cooperating in any investigation that might take place’. follows’.

Everton also released a statement after the incident, saying everyone at the club was ‘heartbroken’ by Jones’ tragic death.

Black armbands were also worn by Everton’s Under-21 side in their game against Liverpool on August 14, and during Sunday’s draw, Villa Park supporters held a minute of applause in the 26th minute of the match.