- Schmeichel asked James about his Hillsborough remembrance badge
- James appeared unimpressed as he explained the significance behind it
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Peter Schmeichel and David James were involved in an awkward exchange while covering Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
The two former goalkeepers were on punditry duties for Viaplay as the Premier League’s top two went head-to-head at Anfield and initially appeared in good spirits as the panel shared a laugh.
However, the mood suddenly changed when Manchester United legend Schmeichel leaned across his former team-mate Jaap Stam to point at a badge on James’ jacket.
The badge had the number ’97’ on it, and Schmeichel interrupted the pre-match chat to question it as he said to James: ‘Can I just ask, what does that stand for?’
The ex-Liverpool shot-stopper appeared unimpressed by Schmeichel’s question, replying bluntly: ’97? Hillsborough.’
Presenter Jules Breach quickly stepped in, telling James it was a ‘nice touch’ to see him wearing the badge before she changed the subject.
Peter Schmeichel asked David James why he was wearing a badge with the number 97 on it
James appeared unimpressed as he briefly explained it was to honour those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough Disaster
Last month was the 36th anniversary of the tragedy when 97 fans lost their lives in a crush
James was referring to the Hillsborough Disaster, where 97 fans lost their lives following a crowd crush during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989.
Ninety-four people died on the day, before another supporter passed away in hospital days later.
Tony Bland and Andrew Devine died in 1993 and 2021, respectively, after suffering irreversible brain damage following the crush to take the number of fatalities to 97.
It was the 36th anniversary of the tragedy last month, and James, who played for Liverpool between 1992 and 1999, was paying his respects to those who sadly lost their lives on that fatal day.
Yet Schmeichel seemed unaware of the significance of the number 97 to the people of Liverpool, leading to an awkward moment with James.
Schmeichel also made a big claim during the pre-match coverage when he branded Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta a ‘control freak’.
Addressing the Gunners’ Champions League exit at the hands of PSG that confirmed they will finish another season trophyless, Schmeichel hit out at Arteta for not giving his players enough freedom as he insisted the Spanish coach would have made him a ‘worse player’ if he had ever played under him.
Liverpool went on to dominate the first half as they opened up a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
Schmeichel also hit out at Mikel Arteta during Viaplay’s pre-match coverage on Sunday
Schmeichel was heavily critical of Arteta, branding him a ‘control freak’ following another trophyless season for Arsenal
Arsenal fought back after the break, though, and rescued a point through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino.
They remain 15 points behind Liverpool, and still have work to do in their final two games to seal second place.
