Liverpool fans were furious at an ITV news presenter’s Arsenal comment during a live broadcast.
The Reds’ 3-1 victory over Premier League strugglers Sheffield United on Thursday has seen Jurgen Klopp’s side return to the summit.
Liverpool are now two points clear of Arsenal while they have a three-point gap on defending champions Manchester City with eight games remaining.
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And the three-way title race exposed one ITV news reporter’s loyalties when speaking about Liverpool’s Sheffield United victory.
On ITV News Rageh Omaar said: “To sport now and the tussle for the Premier League title is still as close as anything after Liverpool returned to the top of the table.
“They beat bottom club Sheffield United 3-1. Alexis Mac Allister got the goal that turned the game, so Liverpool are, regrettably, two points clear of Arsenal.”
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His comments have divided opinion among fans on X (Twitter), with some critical of Omaar’s lack of impartiality and others considering his comments to merely be playful “banter”.
One person wrote: “Wow that is shameful.” Another added: “Imagine being paid to report on national TV but being unable to put your board aside for football!”
A third said: “Oh I’m sorry, I forgot it was the Arsenal news at 10.”
However, others jumped to Omaar’s defence.
One person said: “As long as it’s in good spirits. Apparently, he’s a huge Arsenal fan and likes a bit of banter.”
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A second added: “As a Liverpool fan I’d say that was a great bit of harmless banter.”
A third wrote: “Lol it's just a bit of banter. Rageh Omaar is a well-known Arsenal fan.”
Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Old Trafford where they will face bitter rivals Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Arsenal take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, and Manchester City travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the weekend’s 12:30 kick-off.
Topics: Liverpool, Arsenal, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, Manchester City, Sheffield United, Fan Reactions
Chris Byfield