THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING the proposed appearance of former Irish internationals Ronnie Whelan and Ray Houghton on an RTÉ programme that will be sponsored by The Irish Sun is under discussion.

The two former Liverpool players have been criticised by fans after it emerged that the tabloid newspaper which has been boycotted by them for 22 years will sponsor a live edition of RTÉ’s Premier Soccer Saturday programme later this month.

TheJournal.ie understands the issue is under discussion between the station and both players who have contacted them about it but no decision has yet been made.

RTÉ refused to comment when contacted this afternoon.

It is also understood that a small number of complaints were made to RTÉ about the sponsorship deal and the appearance of Houghton and Whelan on the programme when it was originally announced at the start of the season.

Liverpool FC declined to comment on the matter but said that with current players they actively enforce a policy of ensuring there are no dealings with The Sun newspaper.

Ray Houghton and Ronnie Whelan could not be reached for comment.