Martin Tyler has apologised for comments he made about the Hillsborough tragedy.
The Sky Sports commentator made the remarks in an interview to mark the Premier League’s 30th anniversary on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Tyler conflated the disaster that unlawfully killed 97 Liverpool fans before the 1989 FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield with ‘other hooligan related issues’.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram slammed his comments as ‘exceptionally crass’, adding ‘Even now, people whose careers are built on football still spread these foul smears.’
Wavertree MP Paula Barker branded the Chester native’s comments as ‘disgusting’ and condemned the BBC for failing to challenge his assertion.
In a statement issued through Sky Sports, Tyler said: “This morning while discussing various crises facing football 30 years ago, I referred to some examples including the Hillsborough disaster and also controversy over hooliganism at matches.
“These are two separate issues. There is no connection at all between the Hillsborough disaster and hooliganism – I know that, and I was not implying that there was.
“I apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for any misunderstanding.”