Sky Sports reporter apologies to Everton supporters after fan group accused the broadcaster of 'insinuating Goodison Park is a dangerous war zone'... amid protests over 10-point deduction

Sky Sports reporter Sanny Rudravajhala has apologised to Everton fans for the 'upset caused' after a backlash over their pre-match build-up to the Toffees win over Newcastle.

Prior to Everton's 3-0 win over Newcastle on Thursday night, Rudravajhalapreviewed the match 'on the other side of the river Mersey' rather than at Goodison Park.

Rudravajhala claimed it was because 'Everton fans are continuing to feel very frustrated and upset about this points deduction' and spoke of plans for a protest during the match. 

Everton fan group 'The 1878s' took to X, formerly known as Twitter, had hit out at the coverage by insisting three protests held before matches over their 10-point deduction in the Premier League had passed off without incident.

The group had claimed Rudravajhala's report had insinuated 'Goodison is comparable to a war zone'.

'Prior to our game yesterday, the group along with thousands of fellow Evertonians had held two protests at both our home game against Manchester United, and away at Nottingham Forest,' a statement read.

'Both of these protests, along with our one last night, at home against Newcastle United have been impeccable, successful and passed off without any incidents at all. 

'The protests have all been held in a respectful manner, therefore we do not appreciate @SkySportsNews reporting that they were staying away from any trouble at Goodison Park.

'The @SkySportsNews reporter @Sanny_Rudra was reporting from the Wirral prior to the match, insinuating that Goodison is comparable to a dangerous war zone. Yet, the same reporter was at Goodison for the match and stated in a tweet himself “Goodison Park under the lights. Few better sights in English football. Will miss it when it’s gone”. #efc

'Never have any of the efforts by Evertonians been violent or dangerous in any way. It is an absolute disgrace to suggest otherwise'. 

Rudravajhala issued a lengthy apology to fans in response, insisting he 'did not mean to badmouth Everton.'

He also clarified that Sky Sports were unable to broadcast from the stadium due to Amazon Prime holding the rights to show the match on Thursday night.  

'First off - I don't think Goodison is unsafe. I was at the game. My brother-in-law is a massive Everton fan and was there too - I wasn't worried for him either!!,' Rudravajhala wrote on X.

'To everyone who is p***ed off with me on that front - I am sorry because that's not what I meant and wasn't what I was talking about. The only 'trouble' I was meaning was if someone swore on air - that was it - nowt else.

‘Goodison, pillars and all, is one of my favourite grounds. I meant what I said too about missing it when it's gone and it was brilliant under the lights.

‘Once stuff's out there, it's out there - so I can't do much about that. But for my part, I didn't at all mean to label Everton fans as people who could have caused me harm.

'I am sorry for the upset I've caused. One person in particular sent me a very heartfelt message on that front. You're always learning aren't you - so I've read every message and obviously reflected on what I would do differently, if ever reporting again.

‘You've all got enough to fight for, without anyone making things worse, which honestly is the last thing I'd want but I take all that you've said on the chin.'

Earlier this month, Everton confirmed that they have lodged its appeal against the 10-point deduction the club was handed by the Premier League.

The Toffees shared that they had made their appeal with the Chair of the Premier League's Judicial Panel on Friday, which will now lead to the appointment of an Appeal Board to hear the case.

Sean Dyche's side were handed the jaw-dropping penalty after being found guilty by the English top flight's governing body of breaching profit and sustainability rules. 

Mail Sport reported that the club had until close of play on Friday to lodge the appeal, which they duly did before the deadline passed.

The Premier League has previously stated that it will be heard before the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Everton's victory over Newcastle lifted the Toffess out of the relegation zone despite the points deduction.