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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Liam Prenderville

Jermaine Pennant taken off air by Sky Sports News for 'failing to meet standards'

Jermaine Pennant was removed from Sky Sports News on Friday morning after the broadcaster admitted his behaviour had not met standards.

Former Liverpool and Arsenal star Pennant, 37, appeared on the channel's transfer talk segment.

He was discussing Romelu Lukaku's move to Inter Milan when he appeared to be slurring his words and giving unclear answers.

Pennant was then taken off air during an ad break and replaced by journalist David Reed.

A Sky Sports Spokesman told the Mail: " Jermaine Pennant was a guest on Sky Sports News this morning.

"A decision by our production team was made to take Jermaine off the programme before its conclusion because his performance on-air failed to meet our production standards."

Later on Friday, Pennant broke his silence and said he accepted Sky Sports' decision to replace him.

He wrote on Twitter: "I arrived late for Sky Sports, I rushed on set meaning I was flustered hot and not briefed and I’d had a bad night sleep and taken a sleeping tablet.

"The show decided to replace me - and I respected their decision. Look forward to working with them in future regards Jermaine x."

Pennant, who also featured on Soccer AM earlier this month, is not employed by Sky Sports and it is unclear if he will be used by the channel again.

Earlier this week, Pennant urged Birmingham City teenager Jude Bellingham to snub a move to Manchester United.

Pennant said: “At 16 Ole is not going to throw him into the first XI, he’ll be in the squad but he won’t be starting.

"How many games is he going to play?

Jermaine Pennant on Sky Sports (Sky Sports)

"My advice to him would be to stay at Birmingham for another season, or at least for the rest of this season.

"Continue playing, keep playing first-team football, demanding football and it will do wonders for his career moving forward.

“Rather than moving to Man United and hitting a brick wall, going from playing every week to just floating about training and wondering when he’s going to play.”

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