That Sun headline

Dundalk Daily

Looks like the war between the Sun newspaper and Liverpool football fans continues. Today the Sun has published a controversial headline in relation to Michael Shields the Liverpool fan who was convicted of attempted murder in a Bulgarian court. Many believe that this conviction is unsafe with several reliable witnesses putting Shields elsewhere at the time as well as another unconnected English man coming forward to admit responsibility for the attack. The Sun continues to be boycotted all over Liverpool since April 1989 after it published false stories about fans on the day of the Hillborough disaster.

r3nu4l

Well that's a quick change since yesterday then, where he was described as a 'fan' rather than hooligan!

Also, the Sun ran a campaign to free Michael Shields and encouraged readers to write in and show support, so this is even more bizarre.

Methinks either the policy has changed since he returned home, or someone is in for a b*llocking at the Sun offices today

Either way, can't stand the Sun...but that's not what this is about!

Dundalk Daily

Wasnt aware of yesterdays piece, very bizarre indeed

r3nu4l

I don't have a link for this bit but apparently sales of the Sun are on the increase in Liverpool once again but still far below the UK average.

The campaign to free Mr. Shields and describing him as a 'fan' rather than 'hooligan' and whatnot would only have served to further the Suns reach in Liverpool and thaw the relationship somewhat.

So yes, it is incredibly bizarre to see this headline today given the previous attempts to build bridges.

Either it was an Editorial mistake, a deliberate change in policy or perhaps Mr Shields has a previous conviction for hooliganism, although I doubt this because that would have come up at trial and most likely he wouldn't have been allowed to travel to the game inthe first place. Also, given his young age at the time of the incident he was unlikely to have had a previous conviction.

I can't see this doing the Sun any good and can't imagine they would change policy towards Liverpool or Mr Shields so quickly so it seems as though this is a mistake but probably a costly one!

Dundalk Daily

Was the same headline published in the print and Irish editions, does anyone know.

Cabaal

Oh god, I feel dirty after looking at the suns website,
Not sure how many showers will get me clean after reading one of their stories

Dundalk Daily

MacKenzie is at it again. This guy doesnt know when to stop.

mike65

Saw that (but not on Graniad - reg required), the guys a total wanker. I bet the Suns ed and Murdoch are thrilled with his latest contribution.

Mike.

Dundalk Daily

Mike what do you think he is up to because it sure does make good business sense. Do you think he is taking instruction from above to re-light the fire or is he just seeking publicity.

mike65

He gains nothing from this nor does the Sun unless they think sales can be boosted in the "Blue" half of the City! I dont belive Newscorp want this, no company with a hawkish gaze on the bottom line would.

Mike.