News channel airs Dublin ‘Spider-Man’ fight instead of footballer’s apology

1 Aug 2014

US broadcaster Fox News 9 has been left red-faced after airing a clip of Dublin busker ‘Spider-Man’ involved in a punch-up with a man instead of airing US football player Ray Rice apologising for hitting his wife.

Rather than seeing Baltimore Ravens running back Rice apologise for the incident that took place at a casino in February, Fox News 9 viewers yesterday saw the clash that happened on South Anne Street – in front of the Gotham Café – in Dublin city centre on Tuesday.

“That is not the right video,” the news presenter said afterwards.

Onlooker Robert Bolster filmed the scrap between a man in a tracksuit and the busker wearing the superhero costume, who normally entertains passersby by playing music from a portable stereo, dancing, and waving at people.

Bolster posted the video – which has since gone viral – on his Facebook page, The Irish Independent reported.

What instigated the fight is unknown, but gardaí arrested two males, ages 25 and 39. Both men were later released without charge.

Watch Fox News 9’s blunder here:

Tina Costanza was a journalist and sub-editor at Silicon Republic

editorial@siliconrepublic.com