The Pogues back BBC’s decision to edit offensive word out of Christmas hit Fairytale Of New York

THE Pogues have backed the BBC’s decision to edit offensive lyrics in their Christmas classic Fairytale of New York.

The Sun revealed overnight that Radio 1 has banned the original version of the song because of the lyrics “f*****t” and “sl*t”.

It’s caused furious debate between those who claim it’s another case of woke gone mad, and those who say the words have no place in 21st century pop music.

But the band themselves appear to have accepted it’s a necessary change, retweeting articles about the updated track as well as from commentators explaining why the lyrics are problematic.

Journalist Harrison Block wrote: “This is all I’m gonna say on it for the whole year: the word itself being in Fairytale Of New York doesn’t bother or offend me, but straight people being so angry & outraged at its removal and literally fighting and arguing for the right to sing it bothers me deeply.”

The band retweeted his post and wrote “This”, indicating they are in agreement.

The word “f****t” — sung by Kirsty MacColl in the 1987 Christmas classic — has been changed to “haggard” while Shane MacGowan’s “slut” insult is muted.

The track is the most-played festive song in the 21st century — but its lyrics have recently sparked controversy.

A source said: “The feeling is that Radio 1’s listeners are younger and may not be as familiar with this song — with the original lyrics seeming quite stark.

“The label have produced a new version, and this Christmas that is the only version which will be broadcast on Radio 1.”

An old recording of Kirsty — killed by a speedboat in 2000 — was used to change “you cheap lousy f****t” to “you’re cheap and you’re haggard”.

Meanwhile, Pogues frontman Shane’s barb that she’s “an old sl*t on junk” is also partly silenced.

The song got an unedited airing on last year’s Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, sparking hundreds of complaints from viewers.

The BBC defended the decision to broadcast the lyrics at the time.

In 2007, Radio 1 censored the song but its then-controller Andy Parfitt later said the decision was wrong.

The Radio 1 ban is not BBC-wide, it emerged after internal discussions.

Radio 2 has opted to air the song unchanged, while presenters on Radio 6 can choose which version to play.