Explained: Why Sky Sports are planning to reduce crowd noise during Man Utd's Premier League clash with Everton

The Toffees host United on Sunday in their first match since being docked 10 points for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. There is expected to be a vociferous backlash to the ruling at Goodison Park, with a protest planned including chanting "Premier League, corrupt as f*ck" in the 10th minute of the game. Sky Sports are broadcasting the game and may take steps to reduce crowd noise as a result.

According to The Times, the broadcaster is concerned about breaching Ofcom's rules on offensive material, with the game kicking off on Sunday afternoon when families and children will be watching. It is reported that, following an internal meeting, Sky Sports will try to reduce fan noise or distort the sound so foul language is not clearly audible.

It is claimed that any censorship of the protest will be purely to fall in line with Ofcom's regulations, rather than take a stance on the dispute between the club, its fans and the Premier League. Everton fan group the 1878s is also planning to fly a plane with a banner over the Etihad Stadium during Man City's clash with Liverpool, as it will be dark during the Toffees' game.

It's sure to be a red-hot atmosphere at Goodison, with events off the pitch likely to be as enthralling as those on it. Everton are in decent form having won four of their last six games, and Sean Dyche's men will hope to use the supporters' anger as fuel.