Sky Sports are taking precautions to prevent offensive language being heard live on air as Everton plan to protest against the Premier League during their fixture against Manchester United on Sunday.
It comes after the Toffees were handed a 10-point deduction last week for breaching profit and sustainability rules. The punishment has plunged Everton back into the relegation zone, with Sean Dyche's men now down in 19th, two points off safety.
Everton supporters' group, The 1878s, will hand out "Premier League corrupt" placards outside Goodison Park ahead of the game against United this weekend. There will be flags and banners in both the Gwladys Street End and Park End. One will appear to back Sean Dyche and the team with the slogan " Dogs of War", while another will read: "Where there is power, money and greed, there is corruption."
The organisers of the protest have also urged fans inside the stadium to chant "Premier League corrupt as f***" in the 10th minute of the game. Fans are pushing for the club's punishment to be reduced on appeal.
However, Sky Sports are set to take necessary measures to ensure they comply with Ofcom's rules, according to The Times. Sky will consider using pre-recorded crowd noise if required. With the match kicking off at 4:30pm, there are fears that a large number of families and children will be watching.
Another potential avenue Sky could go down is to reduce the noise from the crowd as they aim to follow regulations. Ofcom states broadcasters should avoid televising material that could cause offence to viewers
The 1878s have raised over £40,000 from a crowdfunding campaign, which will go towards planned protests this weekend. The group also plan to fly a banner over the Etihad Stadium during Manchester City's Premier League game against Liverpool on Saturday, as it will be when Everton face United.
"Thank you for all your contributions, the money will not only go towards the atmosphere on Sunday but a continued push at what is a critical time for Everton, during which we need to all be united as one and aligned," The 1878s said on Tuesday.
"We will itemise every purchase and publish this to make sure our approach is clear and transparent. We have tried to, as much as possible, deliver something we feel incorporates the thousands of varied requests we have had."
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