The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union could hold a strike ballot over the sacking of Reds fan Mark McMillan, 26, and Evertonian Ray Prentice, 43.

Both men have exemplary records, said the RMT.

Merseyrail, who upheld the sackings at an appeal, said they could not comment as the internal procedure was ongoing.

The union said Mr Prentice has the best record on the network for catching fare dodgers.

It said the men were listening to the match on a mini TV on a rest between trains.

This is as absurd as it is shocking - Bob Crow, RMT

RMT had expected father-of-four Mr Prentice, of Orrell Park, and father-of-one Mr McMillan to be cleared at the internal appeal.

"This is as absurd as it is shocking - Merseyrail have gone way, way over the top," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said on Thursday.

"The company was completely into the hype in the lead-up to the match.

"They had staff filmed singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and encouraged employees to bring radio sets in to work, and yet they have sacked two non-safety critical staff for listening in to the commentary on a broken TV in a staff rest room."

Regional organiser John Tilley said: "I hope reds and blues fans alike will bombard the company with calls and emails urging them to reinstate our members."

Merseyrail said there were ongoing internal disciplinary procedures, which were confidential.

They added the case for the two men could be brought before the director's review, giving them the opportunity to put their case forward.