SPFL and RNIB back return of classified results

THE Royal National Institute of Blind People last night urged a rethink following the BBC’s hugely controversial decision to ditch the classified football results. And their chief operating officer has questioned whether the impact on those without sight or the partially-sighted had been considered by the taxpayerfunded broadcaster. The EFL have also been left ‘thoroughly unimpressed’ by the move — and their calls for its return have now been echoed by their counterparts at the SPFL. On Monday, Sportsmail revealed the BBC had dropped the decades-long 5pm British institution — which dates back to the 1950s — from Radio 5 Live’s flagship Sports Report programme. The decision, which has triggered outrage among listeners and the government, was made without prior warning. Yesterday, the BBC admitted it had received ‘some’ complaints, but added that it would be sticking by the move, thanks to timing issues. David Clarke, former England blind footballer and chief operating officer at the RNIB, said: ‘The classified results on Saturday teatime are a tradition which goes back decades and just one example of how radio continues to provide timely and important information for listeners, many of whom are blind or partially sighted. ‘RNIB research highlights that people with sight loss are twice as likely to be digitally excluded when compared to the general population. ‘Was the impact on this section of the audience considered when this decision was taken? ‘We are disappointed at the BBC’s decision and hope it may yet be possible to find a solution to ensure football fans with sight loss aren’t left feeling kicked into touch.’ Officials at the EFL are considering their next steps. A spokesperson said: ‘Many supporters have already voiced their disappointment following the removal of the results and, while we appreciate there will be modernisation to services and output, it is clear that the classifieds offered a snapshot of the afternoon’s action across the footballing pyramid and are, in our view, an important feature of Saturday afternoons for fans both attending matches in the 72 towns and cities of our clubs, and for those listening around the country.’ A spokesperson for the SPFL said: ‘The classified results have been a constant feature of our sporting and cultural lives for many decades. They provide a valued and useful service to countless football fans and it’s a shame that they are under threat. ‘We’d certainly support their retention.’