The controversial commentary went out to all four home nations
British public reacts to biased commentary of England win over Panama
Many American soccer fans have been lambasting the Fox Soccer coverage of the World Cup in the USA.
Among the main reasons for unhappiness are the studio analysts’ obsession with Ronaldo versus Messi rather then the games being played and the players actually playing them. Another gripe is the on screen talent constantly referring back to Team USA and Major League Soccer, especially by ever present studio guest Alexi Lalas.
There has been less dissatisfaction with the play-by-play professionals with Derek Rae, Mark Followill and John Strong getting good reviews. Of the colour commentators. Aly Wagner is thought to be having a good cup although Englishman Warren Barton has his critics.
All is not rosy however back in Barton’s homeland.
There has been a public backlash against the jingoistic and biased coverage of the England football team. During the BBC’s coverage of the Three Lions’ 6-1 win over Panama, analyst and ex England international Danny Murphy repeatedly referred to England as “we”, one of the largest no-nos among sports journalists.
The former England midfielder is part of the BBC’s commentary team in Russia this summer and was selected as summariser for the Group G game in Nizhny Novgorod alongside play-by-play announcer Guy Mowbray.
However, after the game social media reacted badly to his lack of journalistic impartiality. There are two separate issue here.
Firstly, journalists are supposed to be impartial. No matter what level of pride or patriotism you are feeling inside, the listening public must have confidence that you are telling the truth without preconceived biases and that your assessment of incidents is honest and impartial.
Some felt Murphy was in breach of the Golden Rule.
If you don’t observe that rule, on the internet you are called a fansite.
However, given that broadcasters have a monopoly on covering the event with live action there is no equivalent to a fansite on the airwaves. Many of Murphy’s critics felt they were not in good hands.
Another member of the public tweeted ‘We we we…’ The BBC: impartial broadcasting.’”
Even England coach Southgate stressed the need for journalist to not be fans:
“I don’t expect the media to be supporters of us in terms of the way they work,’ he said. ‘They’re here to work. I know they want us to do well.”
To add to the BBC’s woes and embarrassment, their coverage goes out not just to England but to all four nations of the United Kingdom.
A sign outside the Commercial Hotel in Wishaw, Lanarkshire summed up the feelings of many Scots watching the World Cup
People in Northern Ireland, Wales and most of all Scotland do not necessarily support the England team just because they are members of a political union. In fact some are openly hostile and support their opponents. Still they are subjected to the same commentary that England receives which often causes irritation.
“Dear BBC Sport. Can you asked Danny Murphy to stop referring to England as ‘we’ seeing as you’re a UK based channel and he should be an unbiased commentator,” another Twitter user wrote.
Others phrases used were “shockingly biased” and “embarrassing”, though it is by no means clear all the complaints came from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland,
However, other viewers defended Murphy, with one saying: “We are allowed to be patriotic… I’m sure they will be saying ‘we’ on other nations’ commentary.”
Not all fans were against Danny Murphy
Some viewers also rounded on Murphy for his perceived ignorance of the game despite his professional career. He had been selected to cover the high profile match between Spain and Portugal.
“He can’t go over the wall,” Murphy said merely seconds before Cristiano Ronaldo fired a free-kick over the wall to to equalise in the 88th minute.
“That’s why Danny Murphy is Danny Murphy and Ronaldo is Ronaldo,” quipped one Twitter user.
Tony Hart presented Vision on, a children’s drawing show
On the field, it was a good day for England. Southgate’s team were 5-0 up by half-time as they sealed a place in the tournament’s second round after beating Panama who only scored towards then end when thy were 6-0 down
Spurs striker Harry Kane scored a hat-trick, including two penalties and a fortunate ricochet off his heel . Defender John Stones scored two and Jesse Lingard scored the best goal of them all.
