Sky Sports apologises for 'insensitive' commentary during Aston Villa vs Everton

Sky Sports has apologised for the 'insensitive and regrettable' comments that were made by Bill Leslie and Andy Hinchcliffe during Everton’s defeat to Aston Villa.

The Blues’ players and staff wore black armbands for the game in memory of Michael Jones, who died from injuries suffered while working on the site of Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium last week.

The wearing of black armbands on Sunday was one of several poignant acts carried out by the club in memory of the 26-year-old. Blues manager Sean Dyche joined club ambassadors Ian Snodin and Graham Stuart on Friday, as all three laid flowers close to the development.

Midway through the first half of Everton’s 4-0 defeat at Villa Park, Leslie and Hinchcliffe joked that Dyche "looked like a croupier" - a person who runs a casino table - as he stood on the touchline wearing his black armband over his white shirt.

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The comments were slammed by supporters online during and after the game. Many pointed out that the remarks were both 'disgusting' and 'tasteless'.

And now - in a statement released to the ECHO - Sky, who did show the tributes to Michael from fans during the game, apologised for the comments that were made and said they had spoken to all involved and 'reminded them of their responsibilities'.

The Sky statement read: "Comments made during the Aston Villa v Everton game were insensitive and regrettable.

"We have spoken to everyone involved in the coverage including both the commentators and have reminded them of their responsibilities and the need for care and sensitivity. We apologise for