The ABC has copped an absolute flogging on social media from soccer fans and experts over its coverage of last night’s friendly match between English Premier League giants Liverpool FC and newly-crowned A-League champions Sydney FC.
Comedians Jules Schiller and Steen Raskopoulos, along with actor Tegan Higginbotham, were recruited by ABC2 to preview the match, which was downright bizarre.
I am very profeshunal. pic.twitter.com/tv9vLvVWdj
— Tegan Higginbotham (@TeganMH) May 21, 2017
The government-funded broadcaster skimped on the technology, instead opting for whiteboards with players faces cut out to display the line-up for each team.
Furthermore, the hosts referred to Liverpool striker Milan Baros as “Milos Baros”, and then decided to text former Socceroo Harry Kewell with a series of questions – all to which didn’t receive a reply.
Harry Kewell hasn’t texted back yet, but Mum just told me I had lipstick on my teeth for the entire pre-game coverage. So thats nice #livsyd
— Tegan Higginbotham (@TeganMH) May 24, 2017
But the worst was yet to come, with sheepish half-time reporter Aaron Chen left floundering in his efforts to engage fans at ANZ Stadium and the viewers at home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4UeCswPwwg
As you would expect, everyone from the general public to Fox Sports commentator Robbie Slater were quick to criticise the ABC’s sub-par performance on social media.
Horrendous! Make it stop! .@ABC2 pic.twitter.com/WBuh4IBPPA
— Dan Howe (@howedan) May 24, 2017
If any Liverpool officials are watching the @ABC2 pre game stuff they will probably never come back. So disrespectful, treating it as a joke
— Dale Westover (@DaleWestover) May 24, 2017
RIP ABC2’s soccer coverage. 2017-2017
— Nick Sculley (@sculls_6) May 24, 2017
Is this the worst football coverage in the history of Australia? #ABC #ABC2 #livsyd #LFC #SydneyIsSkyBlue
— Satria Dyer-Darmawan (@Satria_Dyer_D) May 24, 2017
ABC2 #livsyd pic.twitter.com/ygRCtf2mqs
— Mitch Booth (@mitchbooth7) May 24, 2017
Who thought this was a good idea at FFA!This is is unforgivable and I and every supporter of our game would like an answer ! #LIVSYD
— Robbie Slater (@RobbieSlater17) May 24, 2017
Even the Football Federation of Australia has tweeted out its disapproval of the ABC’s coverage.
Pre-game, half-time & post-game coverage wasn’t to standard expected by @FFA & football fans. We’ve made that point to ABC management. (2/2)
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) May 25, 2017
For the record, Liverpool beat Sydney 3-0.
