Martin Tyler spent over three decades as the voice of the Premier League for Sky Sports and has long been accused of favouring Manchester United over Liverpool
Martin Tyler has responded to accusations that he harbours favouritism toward Manchester United while being biased against Liverpool. The seasoned broadcaster also admitted he gets “really annoyed” whenever fans question him about which Premier League club he supports.
The 79-year-old spent over three decades at Sky Sports, establishing himself as the voice of top-tier English football before the network decided to part ways with him in 2023. His tenure coincided with United’s dominance in English football, and his reactions to their matches frequently led to allegations that he leaned in favour of the Red Devils.
In contrast, segments of Liverpool’s fanbase have long argued that Tyler’s enthusiasm noticeably diminished when their team found the net. One of the most cited examples came in 2015 when Anthony Martial netted his debut goal for United against Liverpool.
Tyler excitedly exclaimed: “OH YES! WELCOME TO MANCHESTER UNITED, ANTHONY MARTIAL.” His commentary may not have sparked as much controversy had his response to Christian Benteke’s stunning bicycle kick, moments earlier, not been considerably less animated.
On that occasion, he simply remarked: “What a wonderful goal by Christian Benteke, that is extraordinary.” Despite the backlash, Tyler has now directly refuted the idea that he holds any animosity toward Liverpool.
He dismissed online conspiracy theories and pointed to his enthusiastic calls of numerous Steven Gerrard goals, including the legendary strike against Olympiacos in 2005, as proof of his neutrality. “I would in my defence get a whole catalogue of Steven Gerrard goals,” he said on the FCM podcast.
Addressing speculation over his club allegiance, lifelong Woking supporter Tyler added: “The only thing that really annoys me is when people say ‘well, you must have a Premier League team’. Why must I have a Premier League team? Why?”
He reiterated this stance in 2023 during the AwayDays’ shirt shopping series, where he explained: “I can’t wear any shirts from [English] clubs because I’ll be accused of being biased – that’s my shirt there, Woking,” he said, referencing the National League team’s 1996/97 home jersey he held.
“That’s my club and people don’t believe it! Oh, you must have a Premier League club’. Why? It’s been a great advantage for me not to have one because – I could out them – all commentators that you have heard of all have Premier League clubs and they have to deal with the issues that come with commentating on a team that you do care about.”
He continued: “I can understand why people would think that [I support United] but did people think I support Man City when [Sergio] Aguero scored [against QPR in 2012]? Also, I have to say in defence of that, [when] the away team scores it is always harder to generate passion. You’re not fighting against the crowd noise. I think that’s a fair point to be honest.”
Tyler wrapped up by once again rejecting the claims: “There is no conscious bias [towards United].”
In August 2022, Tyler angered Liverpool fans once more with a remark about the Hillsborough disaster, for which he swiftly apologised. While speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about three decades of the Premier League, he referenced “Hillsborough and other hooligan-related issues,” provoking widespread outrage.
It is well-established that any claims linking Liverpool supporters to hooliganism regarding the 1989 tragedy are false. The 2016 inquests concluded that Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed, with no responsibility attributed to them.
Tyler’s comments were met with heavy criticism from Hillsborough survivors, the families of those who lost their lives, and the wider Liverpool fanbase. Tyler stated: “This morning while discussing various crises facing football 30 years ago, I referred to some examples including the Hillsborough disaster and also controversy over hooliganism at matches. These are two separate issues.
“There is no connection at all between the Hillsborough disaster and hooliganism – I know that, and I was not implying that there was. I apologise sincerely sincerely and wholeheartedly for any misunderstanding.”
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