Martin Tyler hits back at Liverpool bias claim and admits what 'really annoys' him about fans

Martin Tyler had denied accusations of bias against Liverpool

Martin Tyler has hit back at claims that he is biased against Liverpool and favours Manchester United.

The veteran commentator also admitted he gets “really annoyed” when fans ask him which Premier League side he supports.

Tyler, 79, spent 33 years working for Sky Sports, becoming the voice of Premier League high-profile clashes before being axed by the broadcaster in 2023.

His time in the gantry coincided with United being the dominant team in the country, while his reactions during some of their games drew criticism for alleged bias towards the Red Devils.

In contrast, sections of Liverpool fans felt Tyler often lacked enthusiasm when their side scored a goal.

The commentator’s excitement was palpable when Anthony Martial scored his first goal for United against Liverpool in 2015, where he yelled: "OH YES. WELCOME TO MANCHESTER UNITED, ANTHONY MARTIAL."

That may not have been as controversial had his reaction not been so muted towards Christian Benteke’s spectacular bicycle kick minutes earlier, where he uttered: "What a wonderful goal by Christian Benteke, that is extraordinary."

Yet, he has now sought to address those accusations by denying the notion that he dislikes Liverpool.

Tyler insisted he is unfazed by the internet conspiracy and pointed to his commentary over a multitude of iconic Steven Gerrard goals, most notably his wonder-strike against Olympiacos in 2005, as evidence of his partiality.

Tyler

“I would in my defence get a whole catalogue of Steven Gerrard goals,”

''The only thing that really annoys me is when people say ‘well, you must have a Premier League team’. Why must I have a Premier League team? Why?”

He echoed the same sentiment last year when appearing on the AwayDays' shirt shopping series, where he said:

"I can’t wear any shirts from [English] clubs because I’ll be accused of being biased - that’s my shirt there, Woking,"

"That’s my club and people don’t believe it! Oh, you must have a Premier League club’. Why?

“It’s been a great advantage for me not to have one because - I could out them - all commentators that you have heard of all have Premier League clubs and they have to deal with the issues that come with commentating on a team that you do care about."

Tyler added:

“I can understand why people would think that [I support United] but did people think I support Man City when [Sergio] Aguero scored [against QPR in 2012]?

"Also, I have to say in defence of that, the away team score and it is always harder to generate passion. You’re not fighting against the crowd noise. I think that’s a fair point to be honest."

In August 2022, Tyler infuriated Liverpool fans again for a comment he made about the Hillsborough disaster - something he quickly apologised for.