Everton have been left annoyed that the BBC chose to use them in the introduction of a video about Premier League clubs “setting a very bad example” by using short-haul domestic flights given there was no adequate rail alternative for the fixture in question.
An article on the BBC Sport’s website states that their research has found evidence of 81 individual short-haul domestic flights made by Premier League teams to and from 100 matches during a two-month sample period this year and quotes Dale Vince, chairman of League One Forest Green Rovers as saying: "You've got Premier League teams setting a very bad example for the rest of the country."
In the accompanying video which has been shared on social media, BBC News’ Sports Editor Dan Roan is filmed at John Lennon Airport watching Everton’s team board their flight for their Premier League fixture at Chelsea last Saturday while the footage begins by showing Sean Dyche and his players, including Ellis Simms whose late goal earned them a 2-2 draw, making their way into the stadium with the commentary: “Everton arriving by coach for their match against Chelsea at the weekend but this was just the final step of their journey to Stamford Bridge having flown to London for the fixture 24 hours earlier.”
