The BBC has apologised after accidentally sharing a picture of the wrong footballer while reporting on an English Premier League player arrested on rape charges. Presenter Mike Bushell revealed that the accused star has not been suspended by his club and is still free to travel with his team.
However during the 9.30am broadcast, a picture of an unconnected player was shown in the background. The image remained on screen for roughly 10 seconds before it was changed. In a bulletin two hours later, presenter Hugh Ferris apologised for the error, the Mirror reports.
He said: "Owing to a technical error, the wrong picture appeared in connection with a story of a Premier League player arrested over alleged sexual offences. A picture of a different and wholly unconnected player was shown. We apologise for this mistake."
A representative for the wrongly identified player did not comment when contacted.
The player arrested in North London last week, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been bailed until a date in August while police enquiries continue.
He denies the allegations and his club have decided that he is free to participate as normal. In a statement released yesterday his club, who also cannot be identified, said: “We are aware of the allegations which are currently the subject of a police investigation.
“We have confirmed that the player denies the allegations and is on police bail pending the outcome of their enquiries. There have been no charges laid and the player can fulfil his professional commitments including permitted travel.
“We take our commitments and responsibilities seriously and have followed our safeguarding policies and procedures. We will keep this matter under close consideration and will review further if circumstances change."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
.png?w=600)
