Sky Sports reporter Sanny Rudravajhala has apologized to Everton fans for the 'unrest caused' after commenting on the build-up to the Toffees' win over Newcastle.
Ahead of Everton's 3-0 win over Newcastle on Thursday evening, Rudravajhala watched the match 'on the other side of the River Mersey' rather than at Goodison Park.
Rudravajhala claimed this was because 'Everton fans still feel very frustrated and angry about this points deduction' and spoke of plans for a protest during the match.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Everton fan group 'The 1878s' had responded to the reports by calling for three protests to be held before matches over their 10-point deduction in the Premier League went off without incident .
The group claimed that Rudravajhala's report had insinuated that 'Goodison is akin to a war zone'.
Sky Sports reporter Sanny Rudravajhala has apologized to Everton fans after previewing their match with Newcastle 'on the other side of the River Mersey' amid fears over fan protests
The decision to do so was slammed by Everton fan group 'The 1878s' on social media
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“Prior to our match yesterday, the group had joined thousands of fellow Evertonians in holding two protests at our home match against Manchester United and away at Nottingham Forest,” a statement said.
“Both protests, along with last night's at home to Newcastle United, were flawless, successful and passed off without any incidents.
'The protests were all held in a respectful manner, which is why we don't appreciate @SkySportsNews reporting that they stayed away from trouble at Goodison Park.
'The @SkySportsNews reporter @Sanny_Rudra reported from the Wirral ahead of the match and insinuated that Goodison is akin to a dangerous war zone. Yet the same reporter was at Goodison for the match and himself declared in a tweet: “Goodison Park under the lights. There are few better sights in English football. I'll miss it when it's gone.” #e FC
“Never have Evertonians' efforts been violent or dangerous in any way. To suggest otherwise is an absolute disgrace.”
Rudravajhala apologized profusely to the fans in response, he emphasized that he had no intention of harming Everton.”
He also clarified that Sky Sports could not broadcast from the stadium because Amazon Prime had the rights to broadcast the match on Thursday evening.
'Firstly, I don't think Goodison is unsafe. I was at the game. My brother-in-law is a big Everton fan and was there too – I wasn't worried about him either!!,” Rudravajhala wrote on X.
Everton fans were pictured holding green signs during their win over Newcastle
Supporters have continued to make their feelings known about the 10-point deduction
“To anyone who was bullied with me on that front, I'm sorry because that's not what I meant or what I was talking about. The only 'problem' I meant was if someone cursed on air – that was it – and otherwise no.
'Goodison, pillars and all, is one of my favorite grounds. I also meant what I said about missing it when it was gone and it was gorgeous under the lights.
'Once something is there, it's there, so there's not much I can do about that. But it was not at all my intention to label Everton fans as people who could have caused me harm.
'I'm sorry for the trouble I caused. One person in particular sent me a very sincere message in that regard. You're always learning, aren't you – so I read every post and obviously thought about what I'd do differently if I ever reported again.
“You all have enough to fight for without anyone making things worse, which is honestly the last thing I would want, but I take everything you said on the chin.”
Earlier this month, Everton confirmed they have appealed the 10-point deduction imposed on the club by the Premier League.
The Toffees said they had submitted their appeal to the chairman of the Premier League's judicial panel on Friday, which will now lead to the appointment of an appeals committee to hear the case.
Despite the deduction, Everton moved out of the relegation zone with their win over Newcastle
Sean Dyche's side were handed the overwhelming punishment after being found guilty of breaching profit and sustainability rules by the English top flight's governing body.
Mail Sport reported that the club had until the end of the match on Friday to appeal, which they did before the deadline passed.
The Premier League has previously stated that it will be heard before the end of the 2023/2024 season.
Everton's win over Newcastle lifted the Toffess out of the relegation zone despite the points deduction.