An episode of Fireman Sam has been removed after a character appeared to tread on a page from the Koran.
Viewers pointed out that papers on the floor of a fire station were actually from the Islamic holy book
Channel 5 has removed episode seven of the children's programme after viewers pointed out that papers on the floor of a fire station contained a page from the Islamic holy book.
The animated children's program follows the adventures of Fireman Sam and his colleagues as they protect the citizens of the fictional Welsh village of Pontypandy.
The scene, in the ninth series of the programme, shows a character carrying a tray of hot drinks and slipping after tripping on some paper on the floor of the fire station. Several sheets fly into the air, one of which looks to be covered with Arabic script.
It is thought that the page contains verses 13 to 26 of chapter 67 of the Koran – dealing with issues including the punishments given to non-believers under the religion, the Mirror reported.
The episode was first broadcast in October 2014 on Channel 5 but the error has only recently been spotted.
Producers have apologised
Channel 5, which broadcasts Fireman Sam, has removed the episode from its website.
Programme producer HIT Entertainment has apologised and is cancelling its contract with the Chinese animation studio that created the scenes.
Miqdaad Versi, Assistant Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, wrote on social media: “I have no idea what went through the producers’ minds when they thought this was a good idea.”
Have no idea what went through the producers' minds when they thought this was a good idea #baffledtwitter.com/SajVarda/statu…
For those looking for the verse reference here, it is Surah Mulk (67), verses 13-26 (h/t @AssedBaig)pic.twitter.com/367xLWQFT6
HIT said in a statement: “It has been bought to our attention that in an episode of Fireman Sam an image of the Koran is briefly depicted.
“The page was intended to show illegible text and we deeply regret this error.
“We will no longer be working with the animation studio responsible for this mistake.
"In addition, we are taking immediate action to remove this episode from circulation and we are reviewing our content production procedures to ensure this never happens again.”
Fireman Sam first appeared as Sam Tân on S4C in 1987, and later that year on BBC1. The original idea for the show came from two ex-firemen from Kent. The original series finished in 1994 and a new series commenced in 2005. CBeebies last aired Fireman Sam in 2008, before Turner Broadcasting and Channel 5 started airing it from mid-2008.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/fireman-sam-episode-removed-after-11668320
So people never drop The Story Book the Koran, or spill anything on it? These people need to see a doctor if they think this is offensive. People are dying all over the world, yet these actions clearly tell you why some muslims act the way they do, and will see offence in anything. Considering we are a country of equality, these comments would be what you'd expect living in Iran, not wales. The channel should keep running it.iveroftears
Now Ive heard everything!while Islamists carry out daily atrocities we offer a grovelling apology for a cartoon.when are we going to wake up!!!
ess than a minute ago
So people never drop The Story Book the Koran, or spill anything on it? These people need to see a doctor if they think this is offensive. People are dying all over the world, yet these actions clearly tell you why some muslims act the way they do, and will see offence in anything. Considering we are a country of equality, these comments would be what you'd expect living in Iran, not wales. The channel should keep running it.
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