Complaint
This article explored fans’ reactions to Newcastle United’s success in the Carabao Cup, noting that some fans regretted the club was currently owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment fund and had expressed the view that its victory “will also be seen as a victory for the human rights-abusing regime and their sportswashing project”. It went on to quote Felicity Thow, Vice-Chair of the Newcastle United Supporters Trust, as having said in a Radio 5 Live interview “We don't care, frankly. We are having a party”. Ms Thow complained that her comment was presented as (among other things) a response to criticisms of the morality of the club’s owners, whereas it was clear from its context in the Radio 5 Live interview that it was a response only to claims that the club’s victory was the result of high spending and that the Carabao Cup was a relatively minor trophy. Although the article had been amended in the light of her complaint, she did not believe the changes sufficed to remedy the misleading and unfair impression originally created. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the 91’s editorial standards of accuracy and fairness.
Outcome
The ECU agreed that the article in its original form gave the impression Ms Thow complained of and, having considered her comment in the context of the Radio 5 Live broadcast in which it was made, accepted that the impression that it related to ethical concerns about the club’s Saudi ownership was inaccurate and unfair. The subsequent removal of her comment from the article ensured that it no longer conveyed that impression, but the explanatory note added to the article failed to acknowledge that the original impression had been inaccurate and unfair, and consequently did not suffice to resolve the issue of complaint.
Upheld
Further action
The finding was reported to the management of 91 Sport and discussed with the editorial team responsible. The explanatory note at the foot of the article was amended to reflect the finding.