Football commentator Martin Tyler has apologised after referring to "Hillsborough and other hooligan-related issues" in a BBC interview.
The Sky Sports commentator made the reference while appearing on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram insisted Mr Tyler said sorry for his "exceptionally crass" words.
Mr Tyler later said he wanted to "apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for any misunderstanding".
He added that there was "no connection at all between the Hillsborough disaster and hooliganism".
Ninety-seven Liverpool fans died as a result of a crush during an FA Cup semi-final at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium on 15 April 1989.