Two members of a local council have apologised after being accused of being “incredibly disrespectful” for streaming a football match during a meeting.
A member of the public spotted Labour councillors John Wentworth and Pat Ryan watching Crystal Palace v Everton during a debate in Croydon Council’s chamber on Monday night.
Gabriella Bush posted photos on Twitter taken from the public gallery of the pair viewing the game on an iPad with the caption: “Nice to see councillors have their full attention on matters.”
Members were debating the future of arts centre Fairfield Halls, which is due to shut for two years ahead of a £30m revamp.
Conservative councillor Mario Creatura condemned them and tweeted: “Cllr Wentworth watching football on his iPad instead of the Fairfield Halls debate. Incredibly disrespectful to worried staff.”
Responding today, after members of the public also condemned them, Mr Ryan told the Croydon Guardian: “If people feel that I was not concentrating then I can assure them that was not the case.
“It was a fleeting look at the score and that was the end of it. If they are upset by that then I do apologise.”
Mr Wentworth apologised via Twitter: “Being an avid CPFC fan is no excuse for checking score during council meeting. Apologies for any offence caused.”