'Practice what you preach' - Hibs hero Conrad Logan calls out Sky Sports over weight jibes

Former Hibs goalkeeper Conrad Logan has called out Sky Sports figures Jeff Stelling and Paul Merson for making jibes about his weight during editions of the Soccer Saturday programme.

Conrad Logan in action for Hibs

The 35-year-old, who helped the Easter Road side to their first Scottish Cup win in 114 years in 2016, was responding to a tweet put out by the broadcaster’s account on social media, confirming Sky’s support of the social media boycott by football and the wider sporting community this weekend.

In a series of text and video posts the ‘keeper revealed he had kept quiet for years in the wake of repeated jibes about his weight but felt the time was right to speak up, given the campaign Sky Sports and many other teams and organisations are supporting this weekend in a bid to highlight the abuse endured by athletes on social media.

Logan said: “Practice what you preach. Online abuse is one thing but this is a joke. I’ve said nothing for years. I wanted to go to town on Jeff Stelling Paul Merson and co. but the PFA basically told me Sky have so much resources they can do what they like.”

The Irishman then posted a clip of Stelling and Merson mocking his size.

Stelling says: “Conrad Logan, the Mansfield goalie… he’s a big fella, isn’t he?” with Merson replying: “I haven’t seen him Jeff... do you think so? I haven’t really seen him, there hasn’t been a lot of showing of him.”

The pair are laughing throughout the 18-second clip. Logan then posted another clip, saying: “Onto the next report and again another personal attack. Family and friends were watching this play-off deciding game.

"Imagine how they felt listening to this. There was no need to even talk about me apart from if action happened that I was involved in. Suppose it’s “banter”.

In the video, Stelling says: “The ball is in the hands of the Mansfield goalkeeper, Merse.”

Merson responds: “Yeah, I’ve just seen him. He’s on Harry’s Heroes next week [a programme Merson appeared on in which football manager Harry Redknapp attempted to get a squad of ex-England internationals fit and healthy for a one-off game].

"Have you seen the size of him ?”

Stelling replies: “He’s a big lad, but he’s doing a good job...” as the clip cuts out.

Logan continued: “ I always thought fair play to Stelling on his charity work; now I turn the telly over when he comes on.

"Merson has had his own issues that I sympathised with when watching him cry on TV; now, I could not give a s**t.

"I could post more and really embarrass you all for your comments and ridicule. I’m glad I’m not in that situation anymore and mentally this sort of stuff really made my mind up that enough was enough.

"Think about what you say and who it affects.”

Logan, now with United Counties League Premier Division side Anstey Nomads, wrote himself into the history books as part of the Hibs team that ended a 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup.

Signed on a short-term deal ahead of the semi-final against Dundee United, the Donegal native put in a man-of-the-match performance before saving two spot-kicks to help the Capital club win the penalty shoot-out and advance to the final.

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