Twitter Laments Sky Sports' Reported Decision to Ban Fans from Deadline Day

Tuesday, 27 January, 2015 shall be remembered as a dark day in the history of the beautiful game. 

Sky Sports—whom we must thank for inventing football in 1992—have helped make January deadline day an unmissable spectacle over the years.

In the final hours of the winter transfer window, Sky Sports News HQ have been the home of dramatic countdown clocks, the Totaliser™, hyperbolic announcements of League Two loan deals, Harry Redknapp car window interviews, yellow ties and—most importantly—correspondents outside stadiums and training grounds being harangued and humiliated by fans.

The foul-mouthed, sex toy-waving, firework-launching proletariat have been a regular fixture as last-minute medicals and paperwork are rushed through. Sadly, Sky Sports News HQ have now reportedly called time on the shenanigans.

According to The Telegraph, we will be forced to actually listen to the information being given out by correspondents, as the network has asked for its reporters to be allowed inside the training facilities and stadiums of the biggest teams, away from the unwashed masses. 

The people of Twitter have largely condemned the decision, with many lamenting days gone by and questioning whether the coverage will be worth watching any more...

Some fans have expressed valid concern for the impact the decision could have on the economy...

It's easy to blame the fans for pushing things too far and having their on-camera privileges taken away, but some are exonerating them and blaming the broadcaster. Won't someone please think of the children?!

"

@TeleFootball @empireofthekop YOU CANT BAN FANS FROM PUBLIC PLACES. ITS SKYSPORTSNEWS THAT ENCOURAGES THIS. THEY ARE TO BLAME. NOT THE KIDS.

— Kopite (@L4LIVERPOOLFC) January 27, 2015"

Barry Glendenning of The Guardian is upset that Stoke fans are being denied their fundamental human right to slowly and casually make a roll-up cigarette on live television...

In fact, it appears that it is the Potters fans who will be missed the most...

Of course, Sky Sports News HQ will not have the monopoly on deadline-day coverage this year, as BT Sport are wading in on the fun...

 The newcomers haven't exactly been welcomed with open arms, though...

Thankfully, there have been some helpful suggestions proposed to BT Sport to help them become the No. 1 destination for fans' attention next Monday... 

"

Ways BT Sport can get people viewing their Deadline Day coverage. pic.twitter.com/RScPjWgfNL

— Hugo (@HugoNotLloris) January 25, 2015"

Presumably, Sky Sports' plans will be dependent on the clubs letting their reporters on their premises during deadline day—something they might not be happy to do if they wish to keep their affairs under wraps. 

For now, however, it appears that a proud chapter in broadcasting history has been closed.

Perhaps now we will simply have to revert back to getting excited about watching actual games, rather than the guilty pleasure of watching antisocial behaviour as people speak about business deals. 

Follow me on Twitter @RyanJayBailey