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Phil Neville’s World Cup commentary: BBC gets 445 complaints Phil Neville’s World Cup commentary: BBC gets 445 complaints
(about 1 hour later)
Hundreds of viewers have complained about Phil Neville’s commentary on the World Cup game between England and Italy.Hundreds of viewers have complained about Phil Neville’s commentary on the World Cup game between England and Italy.
Neville, a former player whose career included stints at Manchester United and Everton, was criticised for his lack of emotion and “monotone” style during the game.Neville, a former player whose career included stints at Manchester United and Everton, was criticised for his lack of emotion and “monotone” style during the game.
Many viewers took to Twitter to criticise him, with several joking that England physio Gary Lewin who was stretchered off after injuring his ankle had actually “fallen into a coma” listening to Neville.Many viewers took to Twitter to criticise him, with several joking that England physio Gary Lewin who was stretchered off after injuring his ankle had actually “fallen into a coma” listening to Neville.
A BBC spokeswoman said there were 445 complaints after Saturday night’s game, which pulled in an average of 14.4 million viewers, the biggest audience of the year so far.A BBC spokeswoman said there were 445 complaints after Saturday night’s game, which pulled in an average of 14.4 million viewers, the biggest audience of the year so far.
Neville took to Twitter to respond, saying: “1st live co-comm last night - sometimes u have to take the criticism - it will only make me better- thanks for the feedback (ahhahaha)!”Neville took to Twitter to respond, saying: “1st live co-comm last night - sometimes u have to take the criticism - it will only make me better- thanks for the feedback (ahhahaha)!”
1st live co-comm last night-sometimes u have to take the criticism - it will only make me better- thanks for the feedback(ahhahaha)!1st live co-comm last night-sometimes u have to take the criticism - it will only make me better- thanks for the feedback(ahhahaha)!
Fellow broadcaster Danny Baker was among his critics, but said the BBC should share the blame.Fellow broadcaster Danny Baker was among his critics, but said the BBC should share the blame.
He said: “Phil Neville has acknowledged he wasn’t great during England commentary. But what were the BBC doing giving him THAT game to ’learn his craft’?”He said: “Phil Neville has acknowledged he wasn’t great during England commentary. But what were the BBC doing giving him THAT game to ’learn his craft’?”
Phil Neville has acknowledged he wasn't great during England commentary. But what were BBC doing giving him THAT game to 'learn his craft'?Phil Neville has acknowledged he wasn't great during England commentary. But what were BBC doing giving him THAT game to 'learn his craft'?
The BBC said Neville, who has received broadcasting training, was “an important, well-respected member of our team” and would “continue to play a key role throughout the tournament”.The BBC said Neville, who has received broadcasting training, was “an important, well-respected member of our team” and would “continue to play a key role throughout the tournament”.
His next appearance is expected to be as a studio guest for Monday’s game between Iran and Nigeria.His next appearance is expected to be as a studio guest for Monday’s game between Iran and Nigeria.
Neville is not the only broadcaster to be on the receiving end of criticism.Neville is not the only broadcaster to be on the receiving end of criticism.
His BBC colleague Jonathan Pearce was mocked on Twitter after he appeared to be confused by the use of goal-line technology during France’s game with Honduras and then mistakenly said France had scored during another attack.His BBC colleague Jonathan Pearce was mocked on Twitter after he appeared to be confused by the use of goal-line technology during France’s game with Honduras and then mistakenly said France had scored during another attack.
But a BBC spokeswoman said no complaints had been received about Pearce.But a BBC spokeswoman said no complaints had been received about Pearce.
Commentator complaints
• The BBC had to apologise for the Winter Olympics commentary team who were over-excited by Jenny Jones’ bronze medal winning performance in the snowboarding slopestyle final and who cheered when a rival fell.
• There were over 700 complaints when John Inverdale made comments about Marion Bartoli’s appearance.
• Last season ITV received demands for payment after Adrian Chiles claimed he would give £5 to anyone who continued watching Fulham v Sheffield United on ITV4 in an FA Cup fourth round replay.