A sports reporter's threatening to sue his former employers after being dismissed for writing an honest and realistic assessment of England's chances in the World Cup.
Brian Marshall's last copy for The Sun forecast England being lucky to make the semi finals of the tournament in South Africa.
"We'd all love a win, but this squad rests too heavily on Rooney to guarantee a repeat of 1966." were the last words of his 250-word article.
Having submitted it, Mr Marshall says he was called to the editor's office and given the 'hairdryer'.
"It was humiliating" the 42 year old said. "I've been covering football for over 20 years and this is how I'm treated. I was asked to write 250 words assessing our chances in the World Cup, given the 23 players Fabio Capello's picked. I thought I did that."
But he says the editor had a completely different view.
"I was told that bearing in mind Sky's latest advertising campaign focusing on 50 million football fans all shouting on England, rational comment wasn't in order. My copy was ceremoniously spiked and I was shown the door."
"I suppose it didn't help that I pointed out that everyone in Scotland and Wales will be cheering on England's opposition."
A News International Spokesman refused to comment on Mr Marshall's claims, saying that it was common place for writers to come and go at a moments notice and this 'Judas was no exception'.
