by 112-1077774096 » Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:59 pm
haha the sh1thouse is running scared. from the echo
KELVIN MacKenzie has chickened out of tomorrow night's BBC Question Time because he fears an "ambush" by outraged Liverpool fans.
The former Sun editor was booked to appear on the flagship TV programme at Imperial College, London.
He called producers saying he could no longer make it because of "other engagements".
But an insider said: "He fears that the audience will include Scousers who will want to ambush him."
Mr MacKenzie last week sparked fury when he repeated the vile claim - first made in the national tabloid when he was editor - that Reds fans caused the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy.
Since then Sun and News International executives have apologised for the lie in a bid to end the boycott of the tabloid across Merseyside.
Six weeks ago Mr MacKenzie admitted the paper's report was untrue.
But last week, at a business lunch in Newcastle, he insisted: "I wasn't sorry then and I'm not sorry now."
Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle said: "Anyone who makes such outrageous claims as he has done should have the guts to face up to his critics.
"It just goes to show the kind of coward he is."
Riverside's Louise Ellman said: "Heis either too ashamed or too frightened to be exposed to public questioning."
West Derby MP Bob Wareing said: "I would urge the people of Liverpool to keep boycotting the Sun, which in any case is only an adult comic."
A BBC spokesman said: "It is not unusual for guests to pull out . . . although I cannot confirm that has happened with Mr MacKenzie."
The ECHO asked Mr MacKenzie for a comment through his company, Media Square, but had no response.