Sky Sports is reviewing its use of fan images and has urged staff to be “more vigilant” after an England supporter appeared on live television appearing to snort a powder.
Mail Sport understands station bosses sent emails to workers on Monday morning following the incident, which saw the bearded man perform the act as hundreds of fans in Newcastle’s Times Square celebrated Jude Bellingham’s stunning kick in injury time against Slovakia.
They have been informed that company policy will be re-evaluated and that a stricter approach will be taken when filming live crowd scenes in the future.
As the camera panned to the cheering crowd last night, the individual, dressed in black, appeared to hold a spoon with a white powder on it, before pressing the side of his nose and inhaling.
He then appeared to raise the spoon to his mouth before jumping and clapping as delighted fans sang the England fans’ anthem, Sweet Caroline.
An England fan attending a fan event in Newcastle was caught live on television putting a mysterious powder in his nose and mouth.
The clip has been posted on social media and viewed hundreds of thousands of times.
One source, who did not want to be named, believes officials may be trying to pre-empt any investigation by watchdog Ofcom and show they are taking the matter seriously.
If complaints arise, it is thought Sky Sports may feel sympathy for them as they were filming a live event and could not reasonably be held responsible for the man’s actions.
Footage was shown ahead of the decisive moment on Sky Sports News at 6.57pm as live footage was broadcast from various fan zones across the UK, with former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce discussing the dramatic Bellingham tie.
As the ecstatic crowd danced and erupted into a rendition of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, the fan (circled), dressed in black, appeared to be snorting a mysterious substance.
The Three Lions fan seemed to have something else in his other hand, into which he dips his spoon.
Production teams have been told to be more vigilant when using fan footage in the future.
Mail Sport has contacted Northumbria Police for comment. England seemed headed for a completely embarrassing exit from the European Championship in Gelsenkirchen, after losing 1-0 to Slovakia.
But in the 95th minute Bellingham’s heroics took the round of 16 match into extra time, where Harry Kane headed in the winning goal to secure a place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday.
