Football pundits Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott have sparked fury and been accused of a stunning lack of professionalism after using coverage of Reading FC's financial plight to promote a brand of alcohol.
The former Manchester City defenders, now regulars on CBS Sports Golazo's coverage of the Championship, were on air to discuss the serious issues at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The club is facing a potential points deduction after owner Dai Yongge failed to deposit 125% of its monthly wage bill into a designated account, a situation described by the English Football League as 'irresponsible'.
A Tone-Deaf Promotion
In a segment that has since gone viral on social media, Richards is seen producing a bottle of Jagermeister from beneath the desk. Lescott then proceeds to take a shot live on air, with Richards declaring, 'We've got to get a little shot in for the lads!'
The act was met with immediate and widespread condemnation. Fans and commentators were quick to point out the stark contrast between the light-hearted stunt and the grave reality for Reading's staff and players, who are facing significant uncertainty over their futures.
A Social Media Backlash
The backlash was swift and severe across platforms like X (formerly Twitter). One fan summed up the public mood, writing: 'Players and staff not getting paid and these two are doing shots on national television. Disgraceful.'
Another echoed the sentiment, stating: 'Taking shots of Jager while discussing a football club on the brink due to financial issues is unbelievably crass and unprofessional.'
The criticism highlights a growing expectation for pundits, particularly those with large platforms, to show respect and sensitivity when covering stories that directly impact people's livelihoods.
The Serious Situation at Reading
The ill-timed joke overshadowed the very serious context of the discussion. Reading FC has been embroiled in a long-running financial crisis under the ownership of Dai Yongge.
The club has already been deducted 16 points over the past two seasons for various financial breaches. This latest failure to meet the EFL's funding obligations could lead to further punitive measures, pushing the club closer to the relegation zone and deepening the existential threat it faces.
The actions of Richards and Lescott have been seen as making a mockery of a situation that is causing genuine distress for the Reading community.
