A statement from Beyond Radio in relation to commentary coverage of Morecambe FC vs Bolton Wanderers on Saturday 5th February 2022.
Beyond Radio is proud to be a broadcast partner to Morecambe FC, commencing our role as the provider of commentary services for the 2021/22 season for all home and away matches, and providing commentary to the club’s iFollow service.
On Saturday, during what became a highly unusual, and charged atmosphere at the Mazuma Stadium, the word ‘gamesmanship’ in our commentary, used to describe the actions of the Bolton Wanderers manager, has become the focus of a series of accusations levelled against our commentary team , and increasingly in the hours that have followed, more widely at the station, and our dedicated team.
The word ‘gamesmanship’ was used as a general description of the actions that could be observed following a series of on-field events, which had included reactions to decisions made by match officials, and the throwing of a missile from the crowd onto the field of play.
The term could be used at many matches to describe the actions of players and support staff alike, without any concern, or offence being taken, as is the general nature of the game.
Despite what many have alleged, the commentary team, as is the case for most media organisations present at such matches, do not have access to, or the benefit of additional audio or video feeds or replays. As such, commentary is made based on what is visible to the individuals at that moment, or on limited and often delayed information that may be fed to the team by stadium staff.
At the time of the use of the word ‘gamesmanship’ on Saturday, and for the remaining time that followed, the commentary team were not aware of the serious allegations made against individuals in the home crowd. The point at which the term was used, and the context for its use to describe the situation was based on the actions being observed that were believed to be due to the incidents that had taken place on the pitch.
Had the nature of the allegations been known, of course the use of the word ‘gamesmanship’ would not have been used, but this was simply not the context in which the word had been used and proceeded the escalation of activity that followed.
Upon the arrival of the police into the stadium, our commentary team specifically called out that something more serious had obviously occurred, and that at that moment in time, details of what had occurred remained unclear.
It has been suggested and reported on social media, that the Beyond Radio commentary team knowingly ignored the alleged use of racial slurs, and further, acted in a manner that showed support towards such views.
That is simply incorrect. And the radio station unequivocally rebukes any such allegation.
Beyond Radio has a proud history of supporting all members of our community and takes a strong zero-tolerance stance on any actions or language used by our dedicated team, that could cause harm or offense to any individual, under any circumstances. Our commentary team have discussed and called out unacceptable behaviour of fans, both home and away, at matches throughout the season, when such circumstances have sadly arisen and been clear.
As outlined in our statement following Saturday’s match, we welcome both the authorities and club’s investigation into the alleged matters. It is not our role or position to make any further comment relating to those ongoing matters.
The context for which the words broadcast were reasonable for the situation as it presented at the time. Our commentary team did not intend to cause offence, and the wider circumstances that became apparent after the use of the word could not have been predicted or assumed.
Words matter. But so must the context in which they are used.
The focus being given to this matter is an indication to the serious issue of racism in football, sport and in society more generally.
Beyond Radio remains committed to our role as both the provider of commentary to Morecambe FC and the club’s many supporters; but also more widely in our role to help highlight and educate our listeners about issues, including racism, that continues to impact the lives of so many.
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