Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
prevent Harry Redknapp from being interviewed through a car window,
transfer deadline day live reports are no more.
It is with a heavy heart we report that Sky Sports have done away with outdoor live reports on the footballing institution that is transfer deadline day, coming up next Monday February 2.
The Telegraph report the channel have asked Premier League clubs to allow their roving reporters indoors for their live updates.
Twitter reacted to the news with understandable shock.
BREAKING: According to the Telegraph, Sky Sports are banning fans from appearing with reporters during transfer deadline day. Wonder why?
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 27, 2015
Well, we can’t swear to it, but it probably had something to do with this.
The appearance of a purple sex toy was the last straw of a raucous transfer deadline day in September last year, which also included the appearance of a blow-up doll in the crowd and prompted 16 complaints to Britain’s broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.
On a more serious level, the safety of some reporters came under threat - most notably at Crystal Palace where fans demonstrated against the influence of Sky Sports on football.
The majority of Premier League clubs have agreed to allow the reporters inside and Sky have said decisions on whether to go ahead with any outside live reports would be made on a case-by-case basis on Monday.
The only option remaining for Sky Sport News' transfer deadline day outside broadcasts - a Highbury-style mural: pic.twitter.com/Avyihg6UI1
— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) January 27, 2015
Nooo. Fans will no longer be able to appear live on Sky Sports on Transfer Deadline Day. #RIP pic.twitter.com/76VdiOxAVy
— ThePuntersPage.com (@ThePuntersPage) January 27, 2015
Sky Sports ban Harry Redknapp from any interviews over a half wound down car window on transfer deadline day #SSN
— Jim Coulson (@jimcoulson) January 27, 2015
No 'meanwhile in Stoke' tweets now on transfer deadline day, damn you purple dildo
— Josh Blackburn (@joshblueburn) January 27, 2015