Broadcasters warned over footballer ID case

net1

Television and radio companies have been warned they could face legal action if they inadvertently allow the broadcast of football chants that identify players embroiled in this week’s rape case.

Under close scrutiny will be BBC’s Radio Five Live, TalkSport, Capital Gold, ITV1’s The Premiership and Sky’s various football shows over the weekend.

Michael Clavell-Bate, litigation partner at law firm, Eversheds, said: “Provided reasonable steps were taken to limit any publication – practical steps such as instructing camera and sound men to direct recording equipment away from where chanting was taking place – these live broadcasters would be protected.

“The reality however is that ‘live’ broadcasts, whether television or radio, are never truly live but run a few seconds behind the live event.”

Lawyers have told broadcasters to ensure they use delays over the coming weeks, otherwise they could be the subject of a complaint from those representing the players alleged to be involved.